In a statement issued by Istana Negara, Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King called on election candidates and party supporters to engage in healthy campaigns.

“Refrain from mudslinging, slandering, provoking and insulting one another while campaigning,” he said, adding that such acts would create disorder.

Sultan Abdullah also told candidates to adhere to all rules stipulated by the authorities, including the EC and the police.

“The King calls on the people to pray for GE15 to be held in a smooth and safe manner, and for the country to be blessed and protected from disasters and calamities,” read the statement.

Earlier, EC chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh announced that polling will take place on Nov 19, with early voting set for Nov 15. Nomination day has been fixed for Nov 5.

Ghani said state elections will be held simultaneously with the parliamentary elections in Pahang, Perak and Perlis, where nominations will also take place on Nov 5 and polling on Nov 19.

The other states, which are either controlled by Pakatan Harapan or PAS, have decided to hold their state elections only upon completion of their full terms next year. Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka and Johor held their state elections recently.

Meanwhile, the Bugaya by-election in Semporna, Sabah, will also be held simultaneously with GE15 on Nov 19. The seat fell vacant after its representative Manis Muka Mohd Darah, of Warisan, died of kidney disease on Nov 17, 2020.