Despite several tests and challenges PKR President elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had to face for the past couple of years, he still managed to prove that he is well liked and has many supporters in the recent Port Dickson by-election (on October 13) which he has won with bigger majority.
Being the representative of Pakatan Harapan, the government in power, of course the people of Port Dickson have high hopes that Anwar will fulfil his by-election promises including the enhancement of the touristic attractions in Port Dickson and providing more employment opportunities for the local people.
Compared to other candidates, Anwar is in the most advantaged position as he was formerly the Deputy Prime Minister under Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s regime in the 1990’s and after that as the Member of Parliament of Permatang Pauh three years ago.
Most importantly, even though Anwar is much elderly person compared to the rest of the candidates, he still portrays himself as a highly calibre leader that would not back out or “say die” easily.
Even though he was jailed for sodomy case it did not make his spirit low in continuing his struggle to maintain PKR’s flag fly high and materialise his political reformation (reformasi) agenda.
Believing that Anwar is the Prime Minister in waiting, of course, the Port Dickson’s people would be every happy to choose him.
Anwar will be the first Prime Minister coming from Negeri Sembilan since Malaysia had its independence in 1957.
He has pledged that he will reform the sessions approach and make the procedures more accessible and democratic once he is in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament). By doing this, Members of Parliament could speak out freely about the problems faced by the people they represent.
Before he won the election he had to face many challenges, amongst them was a voter from Port Dickson went to Kuala Lumpur High Court to file an application to announce Anwar Ibrahim’s candidacy in Port Dickson was not valid as his pardon status awarded by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V had been challenged.
Earlier, PAS had raised Anwar’s qualification to stand in the Port Dickson by-election as he was only pardoned by Sultan Muhammad V under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and not a free pardon under Article 48 (1) (e) that qualifies the PKR President to stand for election in any Parliamentary seat.
Meanwhile, on November 8, the High Court will hear Anwar’s application to strike out the Port Dickson voter’s application to disqualify his candidacy in the by-election until his pardon period ends as currently it has been challenged.
Anwar’s candidacy qualification in the Port Dickson by-election has been challenged. This has encouraged six independent candidates to fight against him. Unfortunately, all of them had lost their deposits in the by-election.
Meanwhile, in his first speech after he won the election, Anwar said he wanted to lead a country which is free from “bribery”.
Anwar’s victory was looked by certain leaders as a reflection of the people’s confidence in PH’s government.
Anwar managed to win a majority 23,560 votes defeating six opponents, one from PAS and the other five being independent candidates. His opponents were Lt. Kol.(Rtd) Mohd. Nazari Mokhtar (PAS) received 7,456 votes; Anwar’s former aide Mohd. Saiful Bukhari Azlan (Independent) had 82 votes; Tan Sri Isa Samad (Independent) got 4,230 votes while three other independent candidates Kan Chee Yuen received 154 votes; Lau Seck Yan with 214 votes and Stevie Chan received 337 votes.
“I am extremely pleased and humbled by the results,” said the PKR leader, after he was declared the winner of the Port Dickson by-election, adding he was glad to get support “from all races” in the constituency._Malaysia World News
