Anwar and Pakatan on the defensive in Permatang Pasir vote

Anwar emphasising a point to the audience last night. - Picture by Jack Ooi

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

PERMATANG PASIR, Aug 17 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim kicked off Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) campaign last night for the by-election in this village located in his parliamentary stronghold clearly on the defensive, in what is perhaps a sign that he is concerned that Umno has made gains among the Malay electorate.

The charismatic leader of the opposition was forced to defend his “Malay credentials” in a clear acknowledgement that Umno’s unrelenting attacks against him — calling him a traitor — and PAS — calling them stooges of the DAP — has set the tone in this mainly Malay state constituency.

Issues like the sale of beer in Selangor, a sensitive and vote-influencing issue among many of the country’s Malays, became the dominant choice of topic for Anwar’s ceramah here.

Speaking before some 500 voters at a rally here last night, Anwar accentuated the stand of Muslim PR leaders on the issue of beer sales, pointing out that as Muslims, they agree that beer should not be sold to Muslims.

Hands of unity... Anwar with PAS candidate Mohd Salleh Man (right). - Picture by Jack Ooi

“But we cannot encroach and must respect the rights of our non-Muslim friends,” said Anwar adding that his party, PKR, which is ruling Selangor, had implemented a “self-regulation” policy on beer sales instead.

Anwar pointed out that beer sales and gambling outfits were pervasive in Umno controlled states like Pahang and Johor, the states where the Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister are from.

“This is what we call politics of hypocrisy,” blasted Anwar.

The Permatang Pasir vote will be of great significance to both PR and Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN). The by-election will either confirm or discount the swing of Malay votes to the ruling coalition, as evident in the case of the Manek Urai by-election recently.

Umno is fielding 38 year-old Rohaizat Othman, a syariah legal advisor, and he will face Penang PAS commissioner Mohd Salleh Man. Nomination is today while polling falls on August 25. Observers believe this battle will be fiercely fought.

“We must not let them win here. That is the only way,” said Anwar last night, in what is perhaps a sign that the opposition is concerned what a BN victory here could mean.