KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — The movement to spoil votes and boycott the next general election among some disgruntled voters will only benefit Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan leader said today.

In a statement, the PH presidential council said it acknowledges the opinions and disgruntlement of fence sitters and anti-establishment activists who have been pushing for youths to spoil their votes or boycott the election process.

"PH respects the opinion of these groups, but we urge them to realise that this is only suitable in a fair democracy,” said the statement, signed by, among others, PH chairman and former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad along with PKR President Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

"In Malaysia’s present situation, this will only serve to punish PH and benefit BN,” it said.

Urging voters to turn up and vote for them, the leaders said that anything other than a vote for PH would benefit BN.

"We hope the people would come out and vote for PH,” it said, citing the success of the Selangor and Penang state governments.