Calling the tactic “inappropriate” and “immature”, Nga said the caricatures did nothing to contribute to nation building and instead served to divert attention from more pressing national issues.

“Instead, they attempt to distract from the real issues we need to tackle together, such as US president Donald Trump’s tariff war,” he said in a statement.

Earlier, supporters of PN, Barisan Nasional and Parti Sosialis Malaysia gathered to rally behind their candidates for the by-election in Tapah, Perak.

PN supporters were seen holding caricatures of Anwar and Loke.

One poster featured Anwar with a distressed expression, surrounded by labels such as “tax hikes”, “subsidy removal”, “medical insurance cost hike” and “ringgit depreciation” in Malay, English and Chinese.

The other depicted Loke making a “shush” gesture.

While the government has been phasing out blanket subsidies, particularly for electricity and diesel, it has maintained targeted aid for lower-income groups.

Nga, who is the housing and local government minister, said responsible debate should focus on policy ideas, development plans and reform proposals, not personal attacks, or racial and religion-based narratives.

He said Pakatan Harapan remained committed to supporting BN in the April 26 by-election, in line with efforts to strengthen the unity government.

“This cooperation is important for political stability and the state’s development under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 vision.

“The country needs politics that builds, not that destroys,” he said.