Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said the government will not announce any new projects or introduce new policies during the election campaigns for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls, while state machinery will also not be used for campaigning.

Speaking during the parliamentary question-and-answer session, Anwar said the government’s position remains unchanged and that the policy is being implemented in consultation with the Election Commission in accordance with Section 24(B) of the Election Offences Act 1954.

He, however, clarified that the restriction does not apply to projects that had already been approved or were currently under implementation.

“The announcement of projects that have already received approval or are being implemented will not be regarded as a violation of election regulations,” the prime minister said.

Anwar said the matter had also been discussed at the Cabinet meeting, where ministers and deputy ministers were reminded to strictly observe the guidelines during the campaign period. He added that the same principle would also apply to chief ministers.

Responding to questions over a project announcement made by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on Johor’s nomination day, Anwar said the projects concerned had been approved earlier and therefore did not breach election rules.

On the government’s decision to lower subsidised diesel prices, Anwar said the plan had been announced well in advance, with pilot trials conducted at several petrol stations before implementation.

Beginning in July, the price of subsidised diesel in Malaysia will be fixed at RM2.10 per litre, he added.