(Seremban, July 19) The warning from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that ministers who use their government positions to attack coalition partners during the state election must resign prompted a notably measured response from Barisan Nasional deputy president Mohamad Hasan, who said Mohamad Hasan is ready to resign if that is what the PM decides, while firmly defending BN's conduct on the campaign trail as entirely proper.
Anwar's warning was issued at a press conference in Ipoh after the PM attended a community event. He told reporters that ministers, deputy ministers and key government officials may not use their official positions to attack federal cabinet partners during campaigning, and that any individual who violates this principle will be asked to give up their post. Anwar explained that the reminder followed a telephone conversation he had the previous day with both Deputy Prime Ministers. He was emphatic on the point that competition at the state level should remain contained at the state level, with federal government unity and functionality kept intact throughout the election period.
Mohamad Hasan, speaking to reporters after a campaign event for the Ayer Panas state constituency in Seremban, made clear that BN had done nothing to attack any of its partners. He said the party's campaign activity had consisted of communicating with voters about BN's record and policy positions, and had not involved targeting any coalition partner or individual ally. On the resignation question, he was direct: Mohamad Hasan is ready to resign if the prime minister issues that instruction, and he has no objection to doing so.
He also commented on the demand from the Pakatan Harapan Youth wing that all BN cabinet members resign over the cooperation issue, stating that this was a matter for the prime minister to decide. He advised voters to think rationally and resist rumours, recalling that misinformation had played a significant role in eroding support for BN ahead of the 2018 general election.
As Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan also announced that he would depart for the Philippines the following day for an ASEAN ministerial meeting, where South China Sea developments, the West Asia and Gaza conflicts, and regional food security policy would be among the topics on the agenda.
