Stop using party logo on govt aid, says Anwar after DAP leader's mock cheque controversy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed ruling parties not to use party logos when giving out any government aid during the upcoming campaign for the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections in Johor.

It comes just days after Perak DAP leader Nga Kor Ming defended the use of his party's logo as well as that of Pakatan Harapan on mock cheques for government allocations to several schools in the state.

Anwar, however, tied the practice to Perikatan Nasional.

"There is an issue about the distribution of government aid to the people; party symbols cannot be used for this. This was practised by Perikatan Nasional before, and I believe there are also one or two cases in the unity government.

"Symbols of political parties cannot be used because all government aid is from the government," he said, as quoted by Bernama.

Anwar himself had been accused of abusing federal government machinery during the recent six-state elections, when he travelled to campaign events using a government helicopter.

Anwar's deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, meanwhile, drew fire after he dangled funds for youth organisations in Terengganu in exchange for votes.

The Election Commission (EC) has set tomorrow as nomination day for the two by-elections, while early voting is on Sept 5 and polling day is Sept 9.

The Pulai parliamentary seat, as well as the Sempang Jeram state seat, was represented by the late Salahuddin Ayub.

Anwar said all party machinery and leaders should also abide by and respect all the rules set by the EC to ensure the smooth running of the election process.