PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that political rivals are united in trying to bring down his administration because of its uncompromising stance against corruption and abuse of power.
Speaking at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign event in Senggarang ahead of the Johor state election, Anwar said his government had refused to tolerate the misuse of public office for personal enrichment, a position he suggested had unsettled certain political quarters.
“That’s why you see all these parties coming together to try to bring me down. They know we are strict. They know we safeguard public funds,” he said.
The PH chairman maintained that he had no intention of bowing to political pressure, insisting that his administration would continue to reject practices that allowed leaders to accumulate wealth through government projects, land deals or share allocations.
“I’ve come to Johor many times as prime minister. Did I take land? No. Did I take projects? No. Did I take shares? No. This is the principle our elected representatives must uphold,” he said.
Anwar used the campaign stop to press Johor voters to give PH the mandate to form the next state government, arguing that a state administration aligned with the federal government would be better positioned to deliver development and public assistance.
While acknowledging that Johor has attracted billions of ringgit in investments and development projects, he said the benefits had yet to adequately address everyday concerns faced by ordinary Malaysians.
“Development is growing and billions are being invested, but homes remain unaffordable for many people. These are matters that fall under the state government’s responsibility.”
“Johor is a wealthy state, but we cannot allow only a handful of people to prosper while many others continue to struggle,” he said.
Anwar also defended PH’s partnership with DAP, rejecting claims that the party had opposed policies benefiting Malays or Islam since the unity government took office.
“I’ve been prime minister for three and a half years. Not once has any DAP minister objected to programmes for Malays or Islam. You can check the record,” he said.
He also thanked supporters who turned up for the event despite the afternoon heat, describing the reception in Senggarang as exceptional, before urging voters in Senggarang, Rengit and Penggaram to back PH candidates in the July 11 polls.
The Johor state election will see 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats. Early voting is scheduled for July 7, with polling taking place on July 11. – July 5, 2026
