Perkasa VP in Kelantan to contest Chempaka by-election

Candidate said constituency was in need of development which he felt could be implemented with him being assemblyman

FMT

KOTA BAHARU: A leader of the Malay right-wing group PERKASA in Kelantan has expressed his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the Chempaka state by-election on March 22.

Sharif Mahmood, 59, vice-president of Kelantan PERKASA, said he had bought a nomination form.

“I decided to offer myself for contest to nourish the democratic system in the country,” he said when contacted by BERNAMA, Thursday.

Sharif said the Chempaka constituency was in need of much development, which he felt could be implemented with an assemblyman who was friendly to the federal government.

Kelantan Election Commission (EC) director Mohamad Mahmud said Thursday four nomination forms had been sold so far.

Nomination for the by-election is on March 10.

The Chempaka seat fell vacant following the death of PAS spiritual leader and former Kelantan menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on Feb 12.

Nik Abdul Aziz had retained the seat in the 13th General Election in 2013 by beating Wan Razman Wan Abd Razak of the Barisan Nasional with a majority of 6,500 votes.

BN Will Skip Chempaka By-Election - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) will not be contesting the Chempaka by-election in Kelantan but instead will focus on post-flood relief work in the state, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said this was because post-flood relief work was in the process of being implemented to help the flood-victims.

"There are still many more floods victims deserving help and have not received assistance. We are making this our highest priority," he said after chairing an UMNO Supreme Council meeting here tonight.

Najib, who is also BN chairman and UMNO president, said apart from this, it (skipping the by-election) was also to ensure the people's solidarity was strengthened.

Although the people in Kelantan were divided by differing political ideologies, the solidarity of the "ummah" (people) was seen as an important agenda,' he said.

The Prime Minister said a similar decision was taken by the BN for the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election in May 2014.

"So, we not necessarily have to put up a candidate (for by-elections)... it depends on the circumstances," he said.

Najib said a thorough discussion had been made with the Kelantan UMNO state Liaison Committee and the Pengkalan Chepa UMNO division before taking the decision.

The Chempaka state seat fell vacant following the death of the incumbent assemblyman Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat due to prostate cancer on February 12.

In the 13th general election, Nik Aziz, who was PAS's spiritual leader, won the seat with a majority of 6,500 votes.

The former Kelantan menteri besar obtained 12,310 votes while BN candidate Wan Razman Wan Abd Razak garnered 5,810 votes.

The Election Commission has set March 10 for nomination and March 22 for polling.

On the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat, Najib said UMNO would wait for the Election Commission's (EC) decision following the decision by the family of the incumbent Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to petition for a Royal pardon over his sodomy conviction.

"So let us wait ... follow the interpretation of the Constitution and the EC will follow the advice based on this interpretation," he said.

Anwar's wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and two of their children, Nurul Izzah and Nurul Nuha, had filed an application seeking for a Royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on behalf of Anwar to the Istana Negara yesterday.

The petition for pardon is related to the conviction and five-year imprisonment of Anwar for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

Anwar is currently held at the Sungai Buloh Prison after the Federal Court on Feb 10 dismissed his final appeal against the conviction and five-year jail sentence by the Court of Appeal.

On UMNO, Najib said the party's membership now stood at 3.47 million members, with 1,126 applications for membership received via online since the service was launched on January 27 till Feb 17.

Of these, 774 completed applications were processed and sent to the branches according to the applicants' addresses, he said.

"We hope more people will use this online service to apply for UMNO membership," he added.

Najib also said 21,245 UMNO branches nationwide were qualified to hold their annual branch meetings, which will start by March 13 and end on May 2.

Meanwhile, 19,871 Wanita UMNO, 15,111 UMNO Youth and 10,048 Puteri UMNO branches also qualified to hold their annual meetings, he added.

-- BERNAMA

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

Ramkarpal not taking it easy in Bukit Gelugor

Only Ramkarpal seem to be campaigning in the Bukit Gelugor by-election while his opponents take a stealth approach

GEORGE TOWN: While obtaining a landslide victory in the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election may just be a walk-in-the park for DAP candidate Ramkarpal Singh Deo, the son of Karpal Singh is not complacent or resting on his laurels.

He is especially perturbed by the silent tactics of two independent candidates – Mohamed Nabi Bux Mohamed Abdul Sathar, 63, and lawyer Abu Backer Sidik Mohamad Zan, 46.

Ramkarpal suspects the non-existence of any form of campaign by the two so far could be a strategy to make constituents “to forget” the by-election.

He suspects that both independents were planted by Barisan Nasional just that to confuse the DAP and voters.

Feeling uneasy about it despite wide prediction of a guaranteed big by-election win, he hinted that the DAP may have to re-strategise its election campaign to counter the uncertainties created by the two independents.

“We still have to work hard as we really do not know our opponents’ tactics.

“There is risk of voters forgetting the impending by-election.

“Perhaps that is part of BN’s strategy so DAP does have to re-strategise,” Ramkarpal told newsmen after meeting voters in Seri Delima state constituency, one of the three under Bukit Gelugor, today.

Air Itam and Paya Terubong are the other state seats under Bukit Gelugor.

A check showed both independents have not put up any campaign banners, posters or streamers, or even started walkabouts or meet-the-people sessions so far except issuing media statements during Monday’s nomination day.

Favourite Ramkarpal faces the independents and Parti Cinta Malaysia vice-president Huan Cheng Guan in a four-cornered fight for Bukit Gelugor.

Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow who accompanied Ramkarpal said the by-election was unlike previous ones where the DAP would know who and what it was up against.

He admitted that the DAP was in the dark about the independents.

“We don’t even see them campaign and don’t know their tactics,” he said.

Campaign wave to hit Teluk Intan

Ramkarpal however, looks confident in his campaign trail, convinced by large turnouts for DAP rallies and positive feedbacks from grassroots.

He also hopes that the positivity favouring DAP would reach the next by-election in Teluk Intan.

Through Bukit Gelugor, he said the DAP had also kick start its Teluk Intan by-election campaign.

“It can be seen as two in one campaign, ” he said.

The Bukit Gelugor federal seat fell vacant after Ramkarpal’s father and incumbent MP Karpal Singh was killed in a highway accident near Kampar, Perak on April 17.

Karpal’s aide, Micheal also perished in the fatal accident, while Ramkarpal, who was travelling with his father, escaped with minor injuries.

The late Karpal polled 55,839 votes to score a massive majority victory of 41,778 votes against Barisan Nasional candidate Teh Beng Yeam, who could just garner 14,061 votes, in the 2013 general election.

According to Election Commission latest data, Bukit Gelugor has 82,431 voters comprising 61,267 or 74.33% Chinese, 11,913 or 14.46% Malays, 8,848 or 10.73% Indians and 403 or 0.49% others.

Observers had predicted Ramkarpal to romp home with an easy win.

His only challenge is predicted to be to either match or better his father’s stunning majority.

Bukit Gelugor indie candidate Backer in hot soup

A police report calls for his disqualification for allegedly insulting Malaysian Indians.

GEORGE TOWN: Two journalists have called for the disqualification of Abu Backer Sidik Mohamad Zan from the Bukit Gelugor by-election, accusing him insulting Malaysia’s Indian community with a racist remark.

The two, employed by Tamil dailies Puthiya Paraval and Makkal Osai, lodged a police report this afternoon alleging that Backer displayed his insensitivity to ethnic sentiments by using the word “pariah” during a press conference this morning.

They urged the police to investigate him for sedition and called on the Election Commission to disqualify him as a candidate in the May 25 poll.

Backer is one of two independent candidates fighting against DAP and Parti Cinta Malaysia.

During the press conference, the two reporters protested against his use of “pariah” in a tirade against activist lawyer and former Bersih leader S Ambiga. They told him the expression was taboo to Malaysian Tamils.

Backer retorted that he was referring only to Ambiga and was expressing his displeasure with her for leading street demonstrations.

He alleged that many other people had called Ambiga a “pariah” for staging protests against the Barisan Nasional government.

The reporters were not pacified and demanded that he apologise and retract his statement.

Backer, who is a lawyer, said he had used the word before in Bar Council meetings and saw no reason to apologise.

Some Pakatan Rakyat members joined the shouting match and also demanded an apology, but Backer insisted that he was not a racist and was seeking election in order to fight for the wellbeing of all Malaysians.

“What Abu Backer said was uncalled for and can cause public disorder, disharmony and disunity,” one of the reporters said after lodging the report at the Lebuh Pantai police station here.

“He may have been attacking Ambiga, but he has insulted Indians. He should be disqualified from the by-election and charged under the Sedition Act.”

Straight fight in Kajang: Azizah vs Chew

PKR president will take on MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun in a straight fight for the Kajang state assembly seat

KAJANG: PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will take on MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun for the Kajang state assembly seat by-election on March 23.

Only the two candidates filed their nomination papers when nominations opened for the seat here this morning.

Returning Officer Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman announced that nominations closed at 10am and the two were the only contestants for the seat.

Wan Azizah arrived at Kajang Municipal Council Sports Complex, accompanied by her husband, PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim and other Pakatan leaders and supporters.

Her nomination papers was filed at around 9am.

Chew also filed her nomination papers at about the same time. She was accompanied by top BN component party leaders, along with some 5,000 supporters.

There was heavy police presence surrounding the sports complex, especially at the route and entry point for Pakatan supporters. Federal Reserve Unit members were also deployed.

On the BN’s side they were playing their party anthem. Pakatan supporters were chanting “Reformasi” and “Allahu Akhbar”.

Despite nomination day being held on a weekday, there was a huge crowd of supporters running into several thousands on both side of the camps.

PKR de facto leader Anwar arrived at the nomination centre with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim at 9.30am. Both were wearing light blue Baju Melayu – PKR colours.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. The Election Commission fixed March 23 for polling. Early polling would be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

In the 2013 general election PKR’s Lee garnered 19,571 votes with a 6824 majority votes. BN-MCA’s Lee Ban Seng received 12,747 votes and Mohamad Ismail (Berjasa) 1,014 votes.

The three independent candidates who contested the seat are Mohd Iwan Jefrey Abdul Majib (249 votes), Ong Yan Foo (85 votes) and Mohd Khalid Kassim (83 votes).

Aside from the two Lees, the rest of the candidates lost their election deposits.

Kajang, famous for its satay, is located in the eastern part of Selangor is one of the three state constituency in the Hulu Langat parliament constituency. It has a 342,657 population, consisting 60.4% Malays, 19.3% Chinese, 9.7% Indians, and 10.6% other ethnic groups.

Thousands at nomination centre


Meanwhile, thousands of supporters from both sides of the political divide gathered at Kompleks Sukan Majlis Perbandaran Kajang as early as 7am today, to show their support for their candidates in the by-election.

The Barisan Nasional was backed by some 5,000 diehards, while Pakatan Rakyat supporters numbering slightly more were singing and dancing to the tunes of their respective battle cry songs. No untoward incidents were reported.

BN supporters are spotted wearing T-shirts printed with words ‘Elakkan Anwar di Kajang’ ( Stop Anwar in Kajang) performing the Haka dance (Maori battle dance) made famous by the New Zealand rugby team.

The police have deployed several officers from the Unit Tindakan Khas (UTK) and 30 Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks to maintain law and order during the nomination.

Kajang: Showdown between Wan Azizah and Mei Fun

The Kajang by-election will likely be a contest between two politically savvy women.


PETALING JAYA: With nomination day for the Kajang by-election set to take place tomorrow, the battle seems to be geared between two politically savvy women.
PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is the new PKR candidate to replace Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The decision to pull out of the Kajang by-election was made as a result of the Court of Appeal decision on Friday to overturn Anwar’s sodomy acquittal.

The ruling derailed his plans to contest in the Kajang by-election, thus resulting in naming his wife as the new candidate.

MCA meanwhile is pitting its vice president, Chew Mei Fun to contest on behalf of Barisan Nasional (BN).

The two women are definitely forces to be reckoned with.

Wan Azizah, 62, founded the Parti Keadilan Nasional in 1999 after her husband was put behind bars the year before on a sodomy charge. She remains as the president of the party till today.

A doctor by profession, she won the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in 1999 and held the seat until 2008 when she stepped down to allow her husband to return to active politics again.

Chew on the other hand was a two-term MP for Petaling Jaya Utara and was defeated by incumbent MP Tony Pua in the 2008 general election.

The 51-year-old quit her Wanita chief post in 2010 after former MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek won the presidency.

As a result, she resigned as senator and Deputy Minister for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in line with her pledge to quit all party posts if Dr Chua became party president.

Former PKR member Zaid Ibrahim has also pulled out from the race, saying it was no longer necessary for him to contest.

Zaid had initially planned to contest in the by-election because he believed that Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s position was threatened by Anwar, who was seen to be eying the position.

Dangdut singer Herman Tino who had initially shown interest to contest in the by-election has also reportedly pulled out of the race.

The New Gen also pulled out of the race today.

Although tomorrow’s nomination day might witness last-minute participation from independents, it is safe to say that the battle would be focused between the two women.

With Wan Azizah in the picture, the female vote in Kajang may likely be swayed to her advantage, what more with public sympathy for her husband who was convicted.

BN supporters also no longer have the advantage of claiming that their candidate is ‘cleaner’ than the other, as Wan Azizah’s record is thus far free from major controversies.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. The Election Commission fixed March 23 as polling date and nomination day on March 11. Early polling would be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

Wan Azizah for Kajang

PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim announces his wife as the new candidate to replace in the Kajang by election.
UPDATED

KAJANG: PKR today announced its party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as the new PKR candidate after its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim was disqualified on Friday due to a conviction in court.

The announcement was made by Anwar himself at the party main election machinery office in Sungai Sekamat.

“The courts have blocked my candidacy. So we are announcing Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the new candidate,” he said.

When asked on why party secretary general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was not nominated, Anwar said: “I was keen on Saifuddin but he wanted to continue as secretary general.”

“Azizah is the most suitable candidate,” he added.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, who was also present, said that Azizah was the most suitable candidate and the DAP supports the candidacy.

Yesterday a party insider revealed to FMT that PKR is considering to field outgoing party president Wan Azizah.

This was despite Anwar’s announcement a day earlier that PKR had short listed 12 candidates to replace him.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal found the 67 year old Opposition Leader guilty of sodomy and sentenced him to serve five years in prison. He was however allowed to post RM10,000 bail.

The ruling derailed his plans to contest in the Kajang by-election.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. The Election Commission fixed March 23 as polling date and nomination day on March 11. Early polling would be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

MCA is pitting its vice president, Chew Mei Fun. Former Kita party founder Zaid Ibrahim and Herman Tino are also interested in contesting the by-election as independents.

’Not a seat warmer’

Meanwhile Wan Azizah dismissed the notion that her nomination would only serve as a seat warmer for Anwar.

“I thank the party for the trust they put on me. People can say anything they want but this struggle is Important. It is important to continue to fight the injustice.

“I represent the values of the ordinary people especially the women,” she said.

When asked on why party secretary general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was not nominated, Anwar said: ”I was keen on Saifuddin but he wanted to continue as secretary general.”

“Azizah is the most suitable candidate,” he added.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang who was also present said that Wan Azizah was the most suitable candidate and the DAP supported the candidacy.

PAS election director Dr Hatta Ramli who is Kuala Krai MP said that his party would continue its work on the ground to ensure victory for PKR and Pakatan Rakyat.

Kajang by-election: Election Commission will study Anwar’s eligibility to contest

(The Star) - The Election Commission will study in detail the provisions of the Federal Constitution and the Selangor Constitution on Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s eligibility to contest the Kajang state by-election.

This followed the verdict of the Court of Appeal, which found him guilty of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, five years ago and sentenced to five years’ jail on Friday.

EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusof said that in view of this being the first case of its kind, a detailed study had to be done to ensure that due process was followed.

“Under the law, by right, if a person is jailed more than a year or is fined more than RM2,000, he or she, automatically loses the right to contest in the elections,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we will have to study if Anwar appeals to the Federal Court, because of it (appeal), whether he can still contest,” he said, adding that the EC would be consulting its legal advisers on the matter.

Justice Datuk Balia Yusof Wahi, who led a three-man panel in hearing the prosecution’s appeal in the case, however, granted Anwar’s application for a stay of execution of the sentence pending appeal with bail of RM10,000.

In overturning the High Court’s decision in acquitting Anwar, Justice Balia said the panel unanimously held that the trial judge had erred in his findings that the integrity of DNA samples used in the case had been compromised.

Anwar was allegedly charged with sodomising Mohd Saiful at a Desa Damansara condominium unit in Bukit Damansara between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

Anwar’s counsel Karpal Singh had told reporters that with this ruling, Anwar could not file his nomination papers for the Kajang state seat by-election this Tuesday. Polling is scheduled for March 23.

Kajang by-election: Unholy haste to fix Anwar Ibrahim

The dates insisted upon by the Court of Appeal are on the eve of nomination day for the Kajang by-election.
P Ramakrishnan, Aliran executive committee member

It is conceded that Anwar Ibrahim will definitely win the Kajang by-election with a runaway majority.

Nothing can stop or impede that inevitability. That win will be a mortal blow to the Barisan Nasional whose fortunes will crumble thereafter.

Politically the BN can do nothing to arrest this trend. And it is desperate to stop Anwar from contesting the Kajang by-election.

Will the outcome of his court case stop Anwar from his foregone victory in Kajang? Thinking Malaysians seem to think that would be the case!

YB N Surendran’s press statement disclosing some disturbing details is rather ominous. We have to fear for Anwar.

It is said, “Justice is that virtue that assigns to every man his due.” Is Anwar being given his due? That is the crucial question.

According to Surendran, “The appeal had been fixed for case management on 28 February 2014. Anwar’s lawyers then received a call from the deputy registrar of the Court of Appeal asking for free dates between 7 March and 10 March 2014. It should be noted that the dates insisted upon by the Court of Appeal are on the eve of the nomination day for the Kajang by-election. (If Anwar is convicted, he would be disqualified from contesting the by election.)”

It is very strange that the appeal had been fixed for case management on 28 Feburary and six days later the government’s appeal against Anwar’s acquittal was scheduled to proceed on 6 March 2014.

It is inexplicable that the court should insist on fixing 6-7 March as appeal dates despite Anwar’s lawyers stating that those were not free on those dates. Shouldn’t this fact be taken into account when fixing the dates? After all, shouldn’t Anwar’s lawyers be free to do justice to Anwar’s defence? Why should the court fix the dates that are not free and convenient to Anwar’s lawyers?

Why should the court be so insistent? According to Potter Stewart, “Swift justice demands more than just swiftness.”

If the business of the court is to deliver justice, shouldn’t the court be guided by mercy and compassion as well?

Anwar was acquitted on 9 January 2012, more than two years ago – almost two years after the trial started. If it had taken more than two years to come to this stage, would a delay of a few weeks or months have interfered with justice?

What were the compelling reasons for wanting the appeal to proceed specifically on 6-7 March? What was the rational for dismissing the fact that Anwar’s lawyers are not free on those dates fixed by the court?

“Justice and judgment lie often a world apart,” said Emmeline Pankhurst, British political activist and leader of the British suffragette movement who helped women win the right to vote. In Anwar’s case this seems to be so true.

It is this development that has disturbing implication. It has led many to wonder why the judiciary is so rigid in Anwar’s case. There is this public perception that the judiciary may be used by the BN to stop Anwar in his tracks.

Our courts should not be seen to be used for political vendetta; it must not even be perceived to be so.

If Anwar is disqualified from contesting the Kajang by-election on 11 March, then this perception will, unfortunately, become a fact. That would be a tragedy not only for all of us but also for the nation.

Let’s remember and be reminded by what was said by William Ewart Gladstone: “National injustice is the surest road to national downfall.”

‘Let voters decide on Kajang move’

(The Sun Daily) - Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan (pix), still unhappy over how the Kajang by election was “forced’ upon constituents, wants voters to decide whether the reasons for the “Kajang move” are valid.

The former Bersih 2.0 chairman said she had made her position on the matter very clear from the start.

“I’m not so naïve to see that these things do not ever happen. What I said was they must give a good reason (on why the by-election is necessary) and I think they’ve given some reasons,’ she told theSun.

Ambiga said she knows all too well why the Kajang by-election is being held but added that voters should accept the reality of the situation.

“I urge the Kajang voters to use the by-election as an opportunity to voice their grievances by casting their ballots on polling day set for March 23,” the former Bar Council chairman told theSun.

The by-election follows the sudden resignation of former assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh on Jan 27.

It is expected to be a six-cornered fight with four independents and MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun going up against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto PKR leader.

Ambiga, who is now the legal adviser for the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), also called on the government to be more serious in combating corruption and for perpetrators to “face the full force of the law”.

“They should make it clear that there is zero tolerance for corruption, which means if anyone is caught, they would be charged and face the full force of the law.

“But, above and beyond that, leaders must show leadership. They need to show that they won’t indulge in any of these practices and abuses of power that we’ve been complaining about in the past. Therefore, strong leadership is important,” she said.

She added that educating the public and conducting anti-corruption programmes at the state or national level would benefit the nation.

Anwar wants Malays to read Ramayana

Anwar encourages the Malays to read classical Hindu texts and for Hindu's to read the Quran to better understand each other.

KAJANG: Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Kajang state seat by-election Anwar Ibrahim told a group of Malay youths that to understand the Indian community they needed to read and understand classical Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharatha and the Thirukkural.

He said that it was vital for them to do so because it would enable Malaysians to better understand one another.

“Yesterday I met a group of Malay youths. I told them to read the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. I also told them to read the Thirukkural,” said Anwar who is Permatang Pauh MP and Opposition Leader in Parliament.

The Ramayana is an epic poem that narrates a journey of virtue to annihilate vice portrayed by Prince Rama and King Ravana. It was authored by sage Valmiki.

Mahabaharata is a tale of war between cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

Both texts are the greatest Sanskrit epics on ancient India.

“The Thirukkural is a summary of thoughts in Indian society touching on every aspect of life,” the PKR de facto leader explained.

Anwar was speaking at a dinner function attended by 150 Indian representatives from various NGOs, parent teacher associations, temple committees and associations at the Metro Prescott Hotel last night.

On the same theme he also encouraged Hindus to read the Quran.

“I am confident that this is the new Malaysia. I am still Muslim and Malay,” Anwar said.

He explained the insecurities present in the mind of the Malays and said that the challenge now was to change the Malay mindset.

“Malays see this land as theirs and feel like they are bowing down to the Chinese. My challenge is to break that perception.”

Anwar blamed the Umno-led federal government for the Malay community’s unreadiness to change their perception.

“They (BN) must be ready to lead because this will not make the Malays lose out. We need to build up the Malay community’s self confidence,” he explained.

Touching on the Indian community he acknowledged that there was a high percentage of the community getting themselves involved in criminal activities.

“Even though the Indian population is small, they are over-represented in Sungai Buloh,” he said in reference to the prison he was imprisoned in for six years.

The talk was part of Anwar’s campaign for the Kajang by-election.

Pakatan is fielding Anwar whereas BN has fielded MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun.

Kita party founder Zaid Ibrahim and dangdut singer Herman Tino are contesting in the by-election as independents.

The state constituency has 39,278 registered voters, majority of whom are Malays. Nomination has been set for March 11 and polling on March 23.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblymen Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general elections in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, Chinese 41%, Indian 10% and others 1%.

Selangor Sultan bars royal family from involvement in Kajang by-election

(The Star) - Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has forbidden members of the royal family from interfering or being involved in political activities related to the upcoming Kajang by-election.

They have also been ordered not to allow any political party to use their name and royal status for any form of political campaigning.

“His Royal Highness also hopes that political parties and politicians will not involve the palace in the Kajang by-election campaign,” said a statement signed by the Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Munir Bani.

The statement added the Sultan ordered the prohibition after some pictures were published or aired by the media, depicting political party leaders with members of the royal family with the insinuation they were involved in the political campaign.

“This order was issued to prevent any negative perception about the involvement of the palace in political activities which should not happen and should be prevented,” added Munir in the statement.

He added the Sultan was firm on ensuring that the palace remained independent and will not align itself to any political party.

Anwar: BN the main enemy in Kajang polls

Malaysiakini

The BN “remains the main enemy” in the Kajang by-election even though Zaid Ibrahim has decided to join the fray as an independent candidate.

Expressing this view at a press conference today, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said he does not underestimate the strength of the BN in the contest for the state seat on March 23.

“I think the issue is the enormous machinery, funds and (use of the) media by the BN,” he said.

“I think we have to be realistic enough to … accept the fact that, once they announce the candidate, the BN will go full fledged into a massive campaign and we would have to deal with it.”

Anwar, who will be contesting in the by-election, added Zaid had a right to contest according to democratic practices and it was up to the people of Kajang to decide.

However, Anwar questioned the apparent flip-flopping by Zaid (right) who had initially supported him to become the next Selangor Menteri Besar.

“I read two weeks ago he supported me to become menteri besar then two weeks after that, he now does not support me to become a state assemblyperson.

“How to become menteri besar without first becoming a state assemblyperson?

“He is a lawyer, perhaps he can answer, ask him,” said Anwar.

Zaid, who last Sunday announced his candidacy, said a vote for him would be a vote to retain the current Selangor Menter Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Since then, netizens have highlighted Zaid’s contradictory stances, pointing a posting he made on Twitter on Feb 2 which read: “Anwar Ibrahim made the right decision to become menteri besar. The tiger must face a lion only then the rakyat will be comfortable”.

Anwar had in recent weeks hinted he may replace Abdul Khalid as the state’s new chief executive but has to date refused to clearly confirm the matter.

Sudden entry

Yesterday, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution questioned whether Zaid was being proxy for Umno with his sudden entry into the contest.

The remarks appear to have piqued Zaid, who lashed out at Anwar on Twitter.

“PKR’s Saifuddin (right) says Umno is behind me, that I am a plant. That’s trademark Anwar. Always humiliate your opponent. Truth is, I am not (a plant).

“Anwar behaves like he is invincible and can walk on water. But he knows Kajang is different. He can ridicule me but he is scared!” Zaid said in a series of postings.

However, Anwar brushed aside the criticism, saying that he would not be so busy in Kajang if he was being overconfident.

“I never said I am invincible or overconfident or otherwise I won’t be seen there day after day.

“In politics, we cannot make assumptions that people will support us without engaging them.

“So I accept the criticism and in several dialogues and speeches I have responded when clarification is asked,” he said.

On BN’s side, the seat is traditionally contested by MCA but the federal ruling coalition has yet to announce its candidate.

Nomination day for the Kajang by-election is set for March 11 while polling day is fixed for March 23.

Anwar to MCA: Don't be slaves to Umno

Kajang polls are key in Pakatan’s plans for GE14

Malaysiakini

Pakatan Rakyat’s decision to field Anwar Ibrahim in Kajang ignited a firestorm and drew many dissenting views.

But for Pakatan to break out from the stalemate since the May 2013 election, this is a brave and strategic move.

Kajang could be the fiercest battle in Anwar’s decades of political career, as well as his riskiest bet – it certainly appears that the daggers are out for him. But these are necessary birth pangs as we search for a post GE13 breakthrough.

My political scientist friend Wong Chin Huat reminded me that in 2005 I had mooted the idea of Anwar contesting a state seat in Selangor.

The logic was to gun for Putrajaya by first controlling Shah Alam. However, at that time Anwar was barred from contesting until after April 2008.

There were two reasons for the Putrajaya via Shah Alam route.

Firstly, although the menteri besar holds limited powers, as far as the Malaysian public is concerned, the MB position befits a high profile almost on par with the prime minister.

An internal GE13 post mortem by the Pakatan secretariat found that among Malay voters, there was no nationwide voting trend.

In Terengganu and Perlis, due to Umno infighting over the respective MB’s post, Pakatan’s popular votes increased. In Kedah dissatisfaction against the late MB Azizan Abdul Razak (right) cost Pakatan precious votes.

In other states, Pakatan’s Malay support increased as well as decreased without a unified voting pattern. In several states Pakatan’s lack of a clear MB candidate also proved to be a chink in its armour.

The point is that state politics is very important in the minds of the Malay voters.

Huge difference

Secondly, the ground often shifts faster than we think. There is a huge difference between the political scenario in 1998 and that of 2005, the stark contrast between Reformasi and the post-Mahathir era.

In former prime minister Abdullah Badawi’s (right) heyday, BN controlled 91 percent of seats and 64 percent of the popular vote – it was a bleak season for the opposition post-GE 2004. Hence I mooted the idea for Anwar to go for Shah Alam.

By the time the embers of 2008 smouldered, ten years had passed since Anwar was the deputy prime minister, something the younger generation of voters are too young to remember. Hence the need for Anwar to reinvent his political legacy.

The GE14 must be held before or by 2018. By then, a child who was one year old when Anwar was sacked in 1998, would have reached the voting age. It would have been 20 years since the ‘98 Reformasi era.

In 2008, there were 10 million (10,740,227) registered voters with 76 percent turnout on election day. In 2013, the total number of registered voters was 13 million (13,268,002) while another three million or so had reached 21 years, but had yet to register as voters.

Each year there are about 500,000 Malaysians turning 21. All in, total number of voters could potentially reach 18 million in 2018, almost double that of in 2008.

To reach this generation of new voters, we need to translate the idealism and spirit of 1998 into practical policies and results.

In the current soul-searching period since GE13, both BN and Pakatan are seeking for a point of breakthrough.

Public anger

Prime Minister Najib Razak struggled and failed to find a way out and he has nothing new to offer to the discourse.

As Najib’s (right) handling of economic matters has aroused public anger, his approval ratings have taken a nosedive and left him vulnerable to attacks from the usually racially charged pro-Mahathir camp.

After GE13, Anwar too seemed to be stuck politically. At the same time it would not be prudent for the Pakatan-rule Selangor leaders to continue its public spats. Something serious must be done now.

In politics, standing still is as good as losing ground. Although in GE13 Pakatan managed 51 percent of the popular vote, it was not good enough to win federal power.

Pakatan needs to demonstrate a breakthrough in terms of discourse and results as to maintain that margin, and gain more fence-sitters’ votes.

People actually ask, is the timing right? To me, if we need to start over, it is better to do so now than wait for another two years. If we wait further to make this move, then it would really be too late.

For those who question whether Kajang is a ‘demotion’ for Anwar, I will say this: Anwar is Pakatan’s candidate for prime minister, and the move to raise his profile as a state leader before aiming for national leadership is a strategic move for this season, in line with our overall strategy.

No sex please…. We are PKR

Another Brick in the Wall

“No Sex Please … We are British” was a 1970s play about a Bank Manager with a young wife who send for a mail order of Scandanivanian glassware.

However, he ended up getting a stream of pornography, photographs, books, films and eventually girls. The hilarious part of the play, which was made into a film, was the attempt to get rid of the embarassing paraphenalia.

Before making any guess that this posting is more sexual expose on the sexual escapade of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, please read on because your guess could be wrong.

Talk of Anwar’s homosexuality must have started sometimes in the mid-1990s when his political career took a meteoric rise when he did a blitzkrieg to takeover late Tun Ghaffar Baba position as Deputy President UMNO and Deputy Prime Minister.

It became public coincidentally in the midst of the financial crisis and the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Since then, any election involving Anwar or PKR or other Pakatan Rakyat parties, his homosexual court cases and extramarital sexual escapades will be made into an issue to question his moral standing and integrity.

Kajang by-election will be no exception and expect it to be another bi-election like Permatang Pauh in 2009.

This time, the ex-Keadilan started the first salvo with their statements that got frontpage coverage in Utusan Malaysia.

They claim the Kajang “bi-election” is merely Anwar’s attempt to delay his sodomy case at the Court of Appeal.

Part of it was touched in our past posting here.

Subsequently, UMNO Chief of Information, Dato Ahmad Maslan repeated the same message uttered to emphasize that Anwar is running in the “bi-election” to seek ways to escape his sodomy trial.

Then news reported effort to gather 3,000 former Adil or PKR members to campaign against Anwar

in Kajang. Former tennis partner and provider of speacial services to Anwar back then, Dato Nallakaruppan announced his intention to run as candidate.

When the news of the resignation of the PKR Kajang state assemblymen followed by Anwar’s announcement to run, there was widespread resentment.

Certain faction among the liberals within the pro-opposition fold, PAS and DAP supporters have legitimate issues against the necessity of Anwar and PKR for holding the by-election and his interest to assume the position of MB.

Till today, Rafizi has not been able to give a proper reason and Anwar has to step in to convince his supporters on the reason for the removal of Tan Sri Khalid as Selangor Menteri Besar and replaced by himself.

There is also Anwar’s ability to govern and administer. When he was a Federal Minister till assuming the Minister of Finance position, most in the know see Anwar as only a Ministry spokesman and deliverer of prepared speech.

IF not for the support of Tun Dr Mahathir and Tun Daim Zainuddin to guide him, Anwar would have been worse than Dato Hasan Malek.

However, these former foe turned allies seemed to be only concerned for his overdeveloped libido.

Anwar merely brushed aside that predicatable line of attack by saying he will not delve into personal character attack. The Malaysian Insider’s reported:

 READ MORE HERE

KPRU: ‘Kajang Move’ kickstarts PAKATAN’s Road to Putrajaya 2.0

A resounding theme in Malaysia’s 13th General Election on May 5th had been the prospect of change, and the popular slogan being bandied about was ‘Ini kalilah! Ubah!’. Yet May 5th had passed, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) that has ruled Malaysia for the past half-century still succeed to retain Putrajaya. And this, too, put a full stop to Pakatan Rakyat (PAKATAN)’s road to Putrajaya 1.0.

So, 267 days after the May 5th 2013, we have now witnessed the PAKATAN, or Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KEADILAN), to be precise, has taken the initiative to steer the electoral politics of Malaysia by calling for by-election in Kajang. Despite criticisms and contestation, think tank Political Studies for Change (KPRU) opines that Kajang by-election is a new departure for PAKATAN in the quest for Putrajaya, again – not by following the same old road, but hewing out a new path instead. It is a strategic move to re-deploy against the attack from BN – it has come to the time wherein PAKATAN does not passively combat in BN’s warfield by complying to their rules, but to become the game master. As the Chinese saying goes, catch an enemy off guard with a surprise attack. Kajang Move is definitely a strike beyond expectation, and this strike just come in time to invigorate PAKATAN’s quest for Putrajaya 2.0.

Losing the 13th general elections with 52% popular votes was indeed a great disappointment; it is a huge blow to people’s morale and confidence, as well as of the oppositions. Furthermore, the temperature of the general election last year had then cooled, the euphoria and excitement hoping for a regime change had evaporated. The following price hikes have furthermore rendered the ordinary folks in despair and helplessness. The recent hype on Prime Minister Najib’s ‘kangkung’ price remark has gone viral and spread like wildfire but nevertheless a harmless joke. Meanwhile, as Selangor PAKATAN government, as well as Pulau Pinang, has entered its second term, people will inevitably place higher expectation on its performance in every respect, and how Selangor, as a targeted state, play a strategic role to strengthen PAKATAN’s strategies to Putrajaya 2.0.

Recap PAKATAN’s Road to Putrajaya 1.0: From 308 to 505

The historic results of the 12th general election, later widely known as March 8th political tsunami, was an unprecedented massive swing towards the opposition, and since then a newly formed PAKATAN has begun to pave the way towards Putrajaya.

The results of the 2008 general elections were remarkably stunning, and it played a pivotal role as a stepping stone for the forming of KEADILAN-DAP-PAS coalition, later known as PAKATAN. Since then, we can hardly dismiss the evolvement of a new Malaysia with a brand new political sky, where opposition coalition taking 82 seats in Parliament and winning state power in four states on top of PAS’s Kelantan, namely Pulau Pinang, Selangor and Perak. However, Perak was later seized by BN, not through legitimate elections but unethical and unconstitutional power grab.

As the BN suffered a major setback in the 12th general election, yielding one of the worst results in the coalition’s history, former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was urged to step down in favour of his successor Najib Tun Razak during the UMNO General Assembly held on April 1st 2009, and the latter sworn in as the Prime Minister on April 3rd 2009. During Najib’s days in Prime Minister Office, he had and is still tirelessly launched various ambitious programmes with bombastic names, including the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government Transformation Prograam (GTP), as well as introducing one after another airy-fairy slogans – from ‘1Malaysia’ to the latest ‘Endless Possibilities’. Nonetheless, your average Joe and Jane on the street does not necessarily understand those big words, as they were, and are still being left out from the fruits claimed in his Janji Ditepati rhetoric.

Meanwhile, unceasing scandals broke out in corruption-riddled BN, from Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal to National Feedlot Corporation (NFC)’s “cattle and condos” scandal, from diamond to private jet, and the lists go on. People’s dissatisfaction and anger has been brewing and reaching its peak.

We have witnessed a growing social movement having bigger impact. Hundreds and thousands courageous Malaysian flooded the heartland of Malaysia during the third rally by the Bersih organization for free and fair elections on April 28th 2012. Also, between 300,000 to 500,000 Malaysians from all walks of life, gathered in the historic Merdeka Stadium just before the 13th general election on January 12th last year, showing that they are aware of the issues at stake in Malaysia, and they want their government to hear them. People’s political consciousness and awareness have underpinned the emergence of new political landscape.

PAKATAN has not only harnessed the dynamics, but at the same time also working hard to consolidate and strengthen its influence. PAKATAN had launched alternative budget in 2012 and 2013 prior to the tabling of federal government’s budget. Additionally, PAKATAN also presented its common manifesto, highlighting people’s most needs and concerns, and essentially making sure they are on the right track to capture Putrajaya.

However, the journey to Putrajaya 1.0 came to an abrupt end when PAKATAN failed to capture more than half of the 222 seats in parliament, although successfully garnered more than half of popular votes. What is worse, PAKATAN merely succeed to retain Kelantan, Selangor and Pulau Pinang, whilst losing Kedah to BN and failed to regain Perak.

Creating a level playing field

Anwar Ibrahim’s Kajang Move will be a new sheet of history in Malaysia politics. Malaysians, especially those young one will no longer recognize him as the ex-Deputy Prime Minister or ex-Finance Minister who were once holding the second most powerful post in the government, or merely a figure of politically active and of international repute, but a reformist-cum-office holder who dare to force the dysfunctional political system to evolve through the legitimate use of the electoral system.

To compete with the current Prime Minister Najib – who wields not merely executive power, but also resourceful enough, Anwar as the Opposition Leader, on the other hand, should at least have considerable power and resources, if not equal one, to compete competently with the federal ruling coalition’s top leader. Kajang Move provides such an opportunity enabling the shackles of restraint to be wrecked, and thus creating space for the rise of a stronger and more resourceful leader, who can then carries much more weight in a political and parliamentary system choosing to ignore its fundamental flaws. Worse still, the whole discussions about strengthening opposition forces used to ignore those fundamental flaws while assuming a Plato type of philosophical king as the leader par excellence.

Recognizing the hardship ahead

Sooner or later, the Election Commission (EC) is about to embark on an exercise to redelineate electoral boundaries, and the constituency re-delineation motion is most likely to be tabled in the March parliamentary sitting. It is doubtful that the redelineation will be done in a free and fair manner, considering the fact that EC had just help BN winning 60% of seats with a mere 47% of vote in the last general election. In addition, the substantial increase in the number of voters, which carve out new demography, will render another challenge to PAKATAN ahead of the 14th general election. All these lump together with the economic hardship laying ahead coupled with heightened political tensions currently faced by Malaysia, signals an urgent need that PAKATAN has no other alternative but to take initiative to master the game so that the road to Putrajaya will be possible, again.

Kajang Move, is beyond strengthening and entrenching PAKATAN’s foothold and influence in Selangor as to counter BN. Crucially, Kajang Move, as a starting point of the PAKATAN’s road to Putrajaya 2.0, will likely to determine PAKATAN’s fate on the coming 14th general elections. Nonetheless, what should be borne in mind is that, PAKATAN winning Kajang by-election must not be at the expense of ignoring criticism.

 http://kpru2010.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/kpru-kajang-move-kickstarts-pakatans-road-to-putrajaya-2-0/

Ambiga ticks off EC, all by-elections unexpected

 

Since opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim started the ball rolling on the Kajang by-election, there has been an endless stream of allegations about diabolical plots being hatched.

And now, the Election Commission has opened another window for speculation by delaying the polls for the state assembly seat, whose incumbent had quit on Jan 27, until March 23 - a gap of almost two months.

Under the election laws, EC has 60 days to hold the by-election and the polling day announced by the commission today is just a few days shy of the deadline.

After announcing the nomination and polling dates, EC chief Abdul Aziz Yusof took pains to explain the reasons behind the holdup.

But his bizarre reasoning that the by-election was "unexpected" left one of his staunchest critics in stitches.

Struggling to contain her laughter, former Bersih chairperson S Ambiga reminded him that all by-elections are unpredictable unless the commission has a crystal ball which could foretell impending deaths, resignations and disqualifications.

"EC's reasons for the delay in holding the by-election late do not make sense at all. Particularly, the statement that it is unexpected. Of course it is!

"By-elections are always unexpected. No one can anticipate them," she said.

Some claim that the by-election is being dragged because BN is still unable to find a suitable candidate to challenge Anwar and stop him from becoming the next Selangor menteri besar.

There is also the speculation that Umno wants the seat, believing that it stands a better chance with the 48 percent Malay voters as opposed to MCA with the 40 percent Chinese electorate.

But for Liow Tiong Lai (left) to concede the seat to Umno would be interpreted as a sign of weakness and put the newly minted MCA president in the line of fire.

Compounding the problem, Liow's camp had in the past criticised his predecessor for giving MCA seats to Umno in the previous general election.

Need for extensive preparations

Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz also revealed that the holdup was due to the EC needing to carry out extensive preparations.
      
These, he added, include preparing a complete and clean voter roll, identifying suitable voting, nomination and vote-tallying centres, and conducting training to prevent repeat of past errors such as in the filling out of ‘Borang 13' and ‘Borang 14'.

Abdul Aziz also said time was needed to arrange for indelible ink supply and to have it brought back here.

This prompted the question if the EC had been lackadaisical in terms of preparation in previous by-elections that were held soon after the seats fell vacant.

The Kajang seat fell vacant after state assemblyperson from PKR, CC Lee, quit to force a by-election to pave the way for Anwar to become menteri besar.

Eyebrow-raising statement

While PKR defended the move on the ground that Selangor needed strong political leadership to check Umno from stoking racial and religious tension, the opposition party came under fire, even from its supporters, for manipulating the democratic process.

Ambiga's successor Maria Chin Abdullah (right) also found the EC chief's remark to be strange.

"It is another eyebrow-raising statement from the EC chief, one that reveals his political bias.

"This by-election is no more unexpected than past ones, especially those arising from the death of elected reps.

"Why is the EC chief singling this one out as an excuse for holding out on the polls to the maximum timeframe allowed by the law?" she asked.

Maria also reminded the EC that it is their responsibility to ensure elections are conducted free and fair.

"A repeat of how they conducted themselves at the 13th general election will not be acceptable to all Malaysians," she added.

The long wait for Kajang polls

An analyst says people are being given more time to gripe about PKR's choice of Anwar.

PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission’s choice of March 23 for polling in Kajang is uncommon in that the date is just five days short of the legal deadline.

The law requires a by-election within 60 days of a seat being vacated. In Kajang’s case, the seat will be vacant for 55 days.

The practice has been to have by-elections at the earliest date possible. For example, the Kuala Besut by-election was held 28 days after assemblyman Abdul Rahman Mokhtar died and the Sungai Limau polls 39 days after Azizan Abdul Razak died.

Political analyst James Chin of Monash University said the delay would give people more time to voice their dissatisfaction with PKR’s choice of Anwar Ibrahim as its candidate.

“More and more complaints will be made against Anwar,” he told FMT.

Asked to comment on speculation that the delay may have something to do with the Court of Appeal’s proceedings in the sodomy case against Anwar, Chin said BN was doing a “stupid thing” if it had influenced the Election Commission into delaying the polls for this reason.

“It will backfire,” he said.

“If Anwar is found guilty, PKR will put a replacement candidate, and that candidate will win by a landslide as there would be massive sympathy for PKR.”

The government has appealed against last year’s High Court acquittal of Anwar and the Appeal Court is set to hear the case on Feb 12 and 13.

Chin also said the by-election was a “complete waste of time” and BN “should simply give Anwar a walkover.”

But another analyst, Khoo Kay Peng, said BN had the democratic right to choose whether to field a candidate or not.

“However, even if BN does not field a candidate, I am sure other candidates will contest in the by-election,” he said.

He agreed with Chin that there is no significant connection between the sodomy case and the fate of the by-election. If the Appeal Court were to find him guilty, he said, Anwar would have to face the music whenever the by-election would be held.

However, he acknowledged that if PKR were forced to replace Anwar as its candidate, it would be frustrated in its alleged purpose for forcing the by-election—to depend on his political savvy to resolve the dispute between Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.