KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for elections to be treated strictly as a contest between political parties and not to be linked in any way to the royal institution.

He said this when commenting on allegations involving Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, who was said to have made a veiled remark against the Regent of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim during a recent programme, Sinar Harian reported today.

Anwar said he maintained good relations and understanding with TMJ and hoped all parties would avoid escalating tensions over the issue.

"Let's not heat up the atmosphere. He (Mohamad Sabu) gave his views. I also have very good discussions with the TMJ, ver...