Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on Malaysians to stop extreme racism and hatred politics, advocating for unity and mutual respect across communities during his campaign in Johor on July 10, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He emphasized fair government policies under his leadership that do not neglect any race, stressing the need to negotiate and work together as Malaysians rather than showing hatred. "I want all citizens to stop extreme racism. Why can't we negotiate as friends, as brothers and sisters? Why can’t we negotiate and work as Malaysians? Why must we show so much hatred?" he asked [1].

Anwar defended the government's assistance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which some critics allege favors certain ethnic groups. He said the MSME sector is a backbone of the economy employing mostly Malays and reiterated the continuation of the Bumiputera agenda to support them fairly [1, 3]. While proudly Malay, Anwar said he wants all ethnic groups to have dignity, stating, "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" [2].

Acknowledging the Indian community still needs more empowerment and improved living standards, Anwar affirmed ongoing efforts to address this issue [1, 3]. He also defended the government’s 10-year extension of tax exemption for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), describing it as a benefit to all Malaysians regardless of the school's Chinese origins. He stated, "I’m prepared to go to TAR UMT although it’s a Chinese initiative. Why? Because I support educational efforts for Malaysians. Even if it is a Chinese initiative, so what? The Malays will benefit. The Chinese will benefit. I make no apologies about that" [1, 3].

Anwar denied rumors about buying a new luxury BMW car, clarifying publicly that he uses an older government-assigned BMW and a Mercedes gifted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, registered under the Prime Minister's Department [4].

During the campaign, Anwar shared a touching story of 9-year-old Muhammad Afif Ikhwan, who traveled through an oil palm plantation with his grandmother to meet the Prime Minister. Moved by their effort, Anwar gifted the boy a bicycle and recalled that what seemed like a small dream was big enough to inspire the grandmother to undertake the journey [5, 6].

Pakatan Harapan (PH), led by Anwar, is contesting the 56-seat Johor state assembly election aiming to increase its current 12 seats before the dissolution. PH is focusing on boosting voter turnout, especially among Chinese and younger voters, though forming the state government is widely considered unlikely [2, 7].

The Johor state election campaign and Anwar’s calls for unity come as formal campaigning proceeds toward polling day.