IPOH, November 5 — PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Tambun voters to heed Malay folklore and history that warned against traitors to their culture and nation.

In remarks that appeared aimed at his rival, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Anwar said treachery was something Malays traditionally found unforgivable.

"In the Malay literature book, there is the tale of Hang Tuah, where betrayal can’t be pardon or forgiven. However, the Malay politics currently is full of betrayal.

"If they betray to defend the dignity, we can understand, but they betray for position as they want to become ministers and wanted to get projects. This is what happening in the country,” he said in his speech at the Anak Muda Melayu Bangkit programme at Chemor here.

Anwar also said the tales of Si Kitol Melaka and Raja Mendeliar held lessons that those who betrayed the nation and culture should be punished and eradicated.

"When Si Kitol was found to be involved in treachery, he was given the ‘sula’ (impalement) punishment. Not only that his house was burned. This was a teaching to the Malays, that they should avoid all this immoral practice.

"However, despite reading, we didn’t not follow the teaching. When the traitor come, we are still kissing their hands,” he said.

Anwar then said that the Malays should set examples to other communities on respect and dignity.

For the 15th general election, Anwar is contesting against the Tambun incumbent Ahmad Faizal, who has been labelled a traitor for his part in the "Sheraton Move” of 2020 that brought down the Pakatan Harapan government both in Putrajaya and Perak.

Other candidates here include Umno division chief Datuk Aminnudin Md Hanifiah from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pejuang’s Abdul Rahim Tahir from Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA).

In the previous general election, Ahmad Faizal contested under PH’s ticket and won the seat with a majority of 5,320 votes, defeating former second finance minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and PAS’s Muhamad Zulkifli Mohamad Zakaria.

However, Ahmad Faizal joined Bersatu when it abandoned PH in 2020 to form the Perikatan Nasional coalition.