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.
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.
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