He said he hoped the discussion could be held harmoniously for the mutual benefit of both parties following the announcement yesterday by Johor BN that the party intended to contest all 56 assembly seats on its own.

“I hope that, although the announcement has been made (by Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi), I will meet the Umno president and negotiate properly. Why should we fight over it? Where we were lacking, we have helped a lot, helped everyone,” he said at a meet-the-people rally here.

“If we fight, those below will quarrel too… we must make efforts. What is important is our effort to help the people,” he said at the event at the Taman Desa Mutiara flats.

In response, Anwar announced earlier today that PH is prepared to contest all seats in several states, including Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang and Pahang, if BN proceeds with full-scale electoral challenges.

At the rally here, Anwar urged voters to give strong support to PH candidates who contest in the election. He also reminded all political leaders to consistently go to the ground and engage with the people, instead of appearing only during election season.

Sincerity in serving the people was important and leaders should not “compete” to contribute only when polling day approached, Anwar said.