Malaysia

Anwar urges Melaka voters to reject religious exploitation, corruption

PM says state election offers voters opportunity to send clear message against divisive politics and tolerance of graft

Updated 47 seconds ago · Published on 14 Nov 2026 7:58AM

Anwar urges Melaka voters to reject religious exploitation, corruption
The Prime Minster says the culture of turning a blind eye to corruption and tolerating wrongdoing had damaged the country's foundations for too long - November 14, 2026

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Melaka voters to reject politicians who exploit religion for political gain and those who defend or glorify corruption in today's 16th state election.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said voters had an opportunity to send a strong message through the ballot box and demonstrate their rejection of corruption.

In a Facebook post last night, he criticised what he described as attempts to manipulate religious sentiments for electoral support, including issuing religious rulings to legitimise support for corrupt individuals and portraying political opponents as enemies of religion.

“Over the past few days, we have witnessed the true face of a so-called ‘unity’. For the sake of votes and power, they have stooped so low as to exploit religion by issuing fatwas legitimising support for corrupt individuals, demonising their opponents and even equating the choice of who to vote for with the obligation to perform ablution,” he said.

He said the culture of turning a blind eye to corruption and tolerating wrongdoing had damaged the country's foundations for too long.

“Tomorrow, the people of Melaka have an opportunity to send a strong message through the ballot box. Reject those who exploit religion and those who hide behind the guise of championing the interests of the community but, in reality, are glorifying corrupt individuals,” he said.

Anwar urged voters to put an end to such practices through their electoral choices, adding: “Save Melaka. Save the country. Vote for HARAPAN.”

A total of 675,166 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the state election, with voter turnout expected to reach 70 per cent. - November 14, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Eight homes evacuated after recurring landslides raise safety fears in Shah Alam

Malaysia

Najib’s pension suspended, Saifuddin confirms

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Melaka PRN: PH to abolish seven appointed state assembly positions

Malaysia

Naked body of woman found floating in river

Malaysia

Dzulkefly praises HKL’s success in reattaching police officer’s hand

Malaysia

Four homes remain unsafe as Penang landslide stabilisation takes up to five months

Malaysia

1MDB allowed to admit affidavit of Rosmah’s shopping partner in its case

Malaysia

Najib faces four conditions under house arrest, including restrictions on movement and visitors

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Malaysia

Lower-income households remain key obstacle to GST revival, MOF says

Malaysia

Microsoft outage drags into Asia-Pacific business hours as recovery efforts falter

Malaysia

Sungai Pertak flash flood death toll rises to six as another body found

Malaysia

Malaysian Bar seeks to halt Najib's house arrest pending court challenge

Malaysia

Court lifts freeze on administrators of RM1.6b Genting heiress estate

Malaysia

Anwar, Fahmi pay tribute to former deputy minister Zahidi

Malaysia

Over 2,200 IPR participants record income or sales milestones under poverty eradication drive

Malaysia

Anwar demands accountability from PH candidates, urges Melaka voters to back coalition