JEMPOL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent warning to ministers and deputy ministers campaigning in the Negri Sembilan election was intended as a reminder to uphold discipline and professionalism, not an instruction for anyone to resign, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said no directive had been issued by Anwar, stressing that the message was aimed at preserving unity within the federal coalition government throughout the state election campaign.
“So far, there has been no instruction from the Prime Minister. It was merely a reminder for everyone serving in the unity government to maintain the spirit of unity,” he told reporters when met at Felda Palong 2 here on Monday (July 20).
He said Anwar had urged ministers, deputy ministers and federal office holders to conduct themselves with discipline and professionalism while campaigning.
“The Prime Minister views the democratic process as one that naturally allows for differences in opinion and views.
“Even in previous state elections, parties contested separately, but what he stressed is that those serving in positions within the unity government must continue to respect one another. That is important,” he said.
Fahmi added that the Prime Minister was also mindful that the conduct of federal leaders during election campaigns could affect investor confidence.
“We know that any action by the federal government has implications for public perception, especially among domestic and foreign investors.
“The Prime Minister is taking this aspect into account as we manage any differences that may arise while the democratic process is taking place,” he said.
On Sunday (July 19), Anwar warned that ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government agencies must not use their positions to attack their partners in the federal unity government while campaigning in the Negri Sembilan state election.
He had said those who chose to do so would be asked to step down from their positions, saying discipline must be maintained to ensure the federal administration continues to function effectively during the campaign period.
The Prime Minister’s remarks prompted Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to say he was prepared to relinquish his Cabinet post if directed to do so, while maintaining that Barisan Nasional leaders had not attacked their unity government partners during the campaign.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin also backed Anwar’s call for campaign discipline, saying state election campaigns should focus on development issues rather than personal attacks.
