More Responsible MP In Permatang Pauh If Voters Choose BN - Liow

BENTONG, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Voters in Permatang Pauh will have a more responsible Member of Parliament (MP) if the Barisan Nasional's (BN) candidate is given the chance to represent them through a parliamentary by-election expected to be called soon.

MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said although Permatang Pauh was deemed PKR's stronghold, the residents were clearly in need of a representative who could really serve them and BN was prepared to do so and to give them the opportunity to make a change.

Liow, who is also Transport Minister, said this to reporters after attending a Chinese New Year do at Sungai Penjuring Community Hall here Monday.

He said although Penang was being ruled by the opposition pact, it was no secret that the component parties were having domestic crisis.

"They have not been able to reach an agreement or find solutions to several issues, such as the implementation of hudud law and local government elections," he said.

Liow said the situation clearly differed in BN which had always showcased solidarity in every issue for the sake of the multi-racial and multi-religious people in the country.

Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election is expected to be called as the seat held by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim may be declared 'officially vacant' soon.

The Federal Court on Feb 10, threw out Anwar's appeal against charges of sodomising his former aide, Saiful Bahari Azlan in 2008, and upheld his five-year jail sentence.

The Permatang Pauh incumbent had 14 days from the date he was convicted and sentenced for sodomy, to file a petition for royal pardon, but has not made any move so far.

-- BERNAMA