JOHOR BAHRU (July 10): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned voters across Johor against racial and religious division that he said have held Malaysia back for decades.

Anwar argued that the state as well as the entire nation's strength comes from its diversity and rejected the idea that protecting Malay interests must come at the expense of other communities. He also criticised the political messaging that used race and religion as campaign tools but failed to improve the lives of ordinary Malaysians.

“Before this, during campaigns, people talk about Malay rights, Islam, and so on. But I want to ask, who has ruled for decades? Why have we not solved the problems of other communities?” Anwar said in fiery remarks late evening on Thursday ahead of the state polling day.

Anwar’s message comes at a time when critics and opposition parties have continued to politicise long-standing Chinese community issues like the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), which he said could only manage to be addressed under his administration.

“I’m a Malay. I’m a proud Malay. I’m proud of my civilisation. But I know as a proud Malay, I’m in Malaysia. I want my Chinese Indian friends to feel and have the dignity as Malaysia’s dignity,” Anwar remarked.

At its own coalition campaigns, Anwar and its broader coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) had focused heavily on driving up turnout, particularly among Chinese voters, younger voters and fence-sitters, with the coalition relying on large-scale ceramah and national leaders to energise its supporters.

Barisan Nasional (BN), meanwhile, has largely relied on smaller grassroots engagements and the popularity of incumbent Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, arguing that stability and continuity would matter more to voters.

While the coalition governs at the federal level with BN, the two sides are competing directly in the state election. PH has sought to differentiate itself by arguing that a closer alignment between Putrajaya and Johor would accelerate development projects like the ongoing Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System Link.

“Some people say Johor is rising, Selangor is rising, Sarawak is rising. But what is the strength of Malaysia? The strength of Malaysia is because of all of us,” he added.

Find out all you need to know about the 2026 Johor election here.