Johor Election Sabotage – Fahmi Warns of Outdated Campaign Tactics

MUAR, July 2 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has cautioned voters to remain highly vigilant against digital sabotage tactics, following recent attempts to set up fraudulent online accounts using candidates’ likenesses to spread misinformation during the Johor state election campaign.

Fahmi stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is currently maintaining a close watch on the digital landscape to counter any dissemination of false election-related data tied to these deceptive tactics.

Concurrently, the minister expressed deep disappointment over rising instances of physical sabotage—such as the destruction of party flags and candidates’ promotional billboards—which he characterized as unhealthy, backward, and outdated campaign methods.

“I have yet to receive updated information from the MCMC on the number of posts flagged for removal involving false information or election misinformation. However, all platforms have said that election misinformation breaches their community guidelines.

“We want to avoid the spread of false news, and I ask voters to always refer to mainstream media,” he told members of the media after attending a local charity dinner at a restaurant here tonight.

Rejecting Intimidation and Promoting Political Maturity

Fahmi further emphasized that any deployment of gangsterism to intimidate political workers or members of the general public must be brought to an immediate halt to preserve the peaceful and orderly nature of Malaysia’s democratic process. He asserted that the growing maturity of the nation’s political landscape dictates that all contesting candidates engage in constructive, healthy campaigning rather than launching attacks on the personal character of their opponents.

Earlier in the day, PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh provided an update from Johor Bahru, affirming that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign machinery in contested areas is progressing smoothly despite enduring a handful of minor disruptions aimed at fracturing their rhythm.

“There have been small incidents such as torn posters, damaged billboards and burning of flags, but overall, our campaign in the Johor state election remains calm and the PH campaign’s momentum is not affected,” she stated.

-NMT