Anwar contesting in PD not sudden decision: MB

SEREMBAN: PKR presidentelect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to contest in the Port Dickson parliamentary byelection to pave the way for his return as a parliamentarian and then as the eighth prime minister was not made suddenly, but was discussed and agreed upon by all parties during the establishment of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Negri Sembilan PKR chairman Aminuddin Harun (pix) said all parties should realise that the decision to get a royal pardon was to secure an early release from prison for Anwar to be able to re-enter politics after PH took over the administration.

“As we all know, during the 14th general election campaign and the setting up of PH, we had discussed that on the day PH wins, Anwar will be released with a royal pardon and then will contest for a parliamentary seat before being appointed as prime minister.

“This has been jointly agreed by all key PH leaders then. So, there is no question the issue is new and has given rise to negative perception and doubts (in PH),” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.

Aminuddin, who is Negri Sembilan mentri besar, however, admitted that there were negative perceptions on Anwar’s intention to contest for the parliamentary seat, but not among the constituents of Port Dickson.

Based on his observation, he said, the people in Port Dickson welcomed Anwar to contest the seat and were confident of him becoming the next prime minister.

There are various races in Port Dickson with 43% of them Malay, Chinese (33%), Indian (22%) and others (2%).

Based on the population composition, Aminuddin said he was optimistic Anwar would be wellreceived by the people in Port Dickson and win the by-election.

He said the spillover of Anwar’s win would also be felt by the people of Negri Sembilan in general, and with one of the parliamentary constituencies in Negri Sembilan under the prime minister, it would be a boost to the state’s economy.

Therefore, Aminuddin advised people in Port Dickson to discharge their responsibility as voters in the constituency as their votes would not only determine their MP, but also the next prime minister.

He said the low turnout of voters in the three by-elections in Selangor showed the people assumed that the country was politically stable and there was no need for them to go out to vote as PH would still win.

“I hope they change such a mentality because their votes are very meaningful. Efforts will be made to get voters to go out to exercise their right, including those staying outside Port Dickson to return to vote.” – Bernama