Contesting polls a personal victory for me, says Saiful

PORT DICKSON: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, said he may have lost badly but considered contesting the election as a personal victory.

“I accept the outcome with an open heart.”

He said he brought a new dimension to the political landscape of the country by participating.

“There is nothing for me to regret.

“People here did not have any problem accepting my participation as an independent candidate.

“It’s just that they may not be ready to accept an independent as their representative,” he said when asked to comment on the 82 votes he won.

Independent candidate Stevie Chan Keng Leong, who got 337 votes, said he hoped Anwar would fulfil his pledges to the people.

“I hope that he can uphold the Malaysia Baru agenda and ensure PD’s potential is realised soon.”

After a gruelling two weeks of campaigning, Chan said he wanted to take a break and spend time with his family.

“It was an extraordinary experience which would contribute to the shaping of a more a progressive Malaysia.”

He thanked candidates for keeping the contest gentlemanly.

“I want to thank people for their contributions, hopes and prayers.”

Independent candidate Lau Sek Yan, 51, said she lost nothing despite her defeat.

“I met so many people of PD. Some sent me pictures of their fingers smeared with indelible ink to say that ‘this is for you’, showing that they have voted for me.”

Some of her friends from school and university days reconnected with her after reading about her decision to stand in PD.

The housewife said spending 14 days campaigning with her husband strengthened their bond.

“I am glad to have met so many members of the media.

“Their dedication to their job is admirable,” she said at the Port Dickson Municipal Council Hall here.