Umno deputy president dismisses Najib link claims, says Johor election about state government not pardons

JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 — The Johor state election campaign must be conducted maturely without personal attacks to ensure national stability is preserved, said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said contesting parties in the state polls are free to present their policies and offers to the people, but the campaigning should not affect cooperative relations within the Unity Government at the Federal level.

“Let us not be overly personal. Our policies are fine, no problem. Our parties are fine, nothing personal. We must be prudent because at the Federal level, we are still managing the country together. That is what is important.

“For me, the business of managing the country is crucial. Do not let it ruin the nation. So teasing one another is no problem, no issue. I tease people, people tease me, no issue, but do not be too personal,” he said during a luncheon with voters from the Tiram state constituency here today.

Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, said allegations linking the Johor state election to efforts to free former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak are unfounded.

He said Malaysia is a country anchored on the supremacy of the law and Umno always respects this principle.

“The Johor state election has nothing to do with releasing Datuk Seri Najib because it is an election to form a state government, not a general election to form the Federal Government.

“What can a Menteri Besar do to free Datuk Seri Najib? Nothing... because the power lies with the Federal Government, and a pardon is the absolute prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. So let us not usurp the Agong’s power, and let us not undermine the Agong’s authority,” he said.

Polling for the Johor state election is set for July 11, with early voting scheduled for tomorrow.

A total of 172 candidates are contesting 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly.

For the latest news on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama