(Seremban, July 19) BN deputy president and Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan demonstrated characteristic political composure on Thursday when he told reporters that Mohamad Hasan is ready to resign at the prime minister's request — while making clear that he does not believe he or any BN colleague has done anything to warrant such a sanction during the ongoing state election campaign.
The backdrop to the statement was a formal warning delivered by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Ipoh, where he cautioned ministers and deputy ministers against using the authority of their government positions to criticise or attack federal coalition partners during the state election campaigning period. Anwar described the principle clearly — those who hold federal posts may not weaponise those roles against allies — and stated that any breach would result in a call for the individual concerned to resign. He added that the warning followed consultations with both deputy prime ministers, indicating this was a considered position from the highest level of the government.
Mohamad Hasan, who is contesting the Ayer Panas seat in the current election, was asked about the PM's statement after attending a campaign event in Seremban. He responded with a balanced combination of openness and confidence, asserting that BN had communicated with voters as part of normal electioneering without singling out or attacking any partner. He added that Mohamad Hasan is ready to resign if PM Anwar decides to issue that instruction, and that he is prepared to accept whatever the prime minister ultimately determines.
He addressed the demand by PH Youth for a mass resignation of BN cabinet members by saying the decision rests with the prime minister, not with BN itself. He also took the opportunity to caution voters against rumours, noting the historical lesson of the 2018 election when widespread misinformation contributed to BN's downfall.
Separately, Mohamad Hasan revealed that he would be flying to the Philippines the next day to represent Malaysia at an ASEAN meeting covering the South China Sea, Gaza and ASEAN food security, underlining that his ministerial responsibilities continue to run alongside his campaign commitments.