THE Johor state election should be fought on policies, performance and solutions to the people’s problems instead of campaigns built on slander, hatred or divisive rhetoric - Selangor Election Director Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan said.
Calling for a clean and responsible campaign, Sathia urged political parties, candidates and supporters to uphold democratic values throughout the election period and avoid exploiting sensitive issues involving race, religion and the monarchy.
“Election campaigns should be grounded in facts, policies and practical solutions for the people, not fuelled by slander, hatred or provocations touching on the 3R issues of race, religion and the monarchy,” he said in a statement.
He said that differences in political opinion were inevitable in a democracy, but stressed that political competition must be conducted with professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect.
Sathia also appealed to Johoreans living outside the state, particularly those working in Singapore, to return home to cast their ballots, saying every vote would play a role in shaping the state’s future.
“Every vote carries significant value in determining Johor’s direction for the years ahead,” he said.
He urged voters to make informed choices by assessing the track record, policies and capabilities of candidates and political parties rather than being swayed by fear or emotional appeals.
Sathia said voters should also consider the benefits of close cooperation between the federal and state governments, arguing that such alignment could help attract more investment, create jobs and accelerate development in Johor.
At the same time, he cautioned against the misuse of religion as a political tool.
“Religion is a fundamental part of our lives, but it should never be manipulated to divide society or cloud the judgment of voters when they make their choice,” he said.
With misinformation spreading rapidly on social media, Sathia also reminded the public to verify information before sharing it.
“Fake news and slander should not be allowed to influence decisions that will shape Johor’s future.”
“Let us show that Johoreans are capable of practising a mature, respectful and fact-based democracy,” he added. – June 30, 2026
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