TRIPLE BY-ELECTIONS: Anwar claims ballot boxes dropped into sea

(NST) – Pakatan Rakyat has claimed that it lost the Batang Ai by-election because several ballot boxes were “dropped into the sea” by helicopters and speed boats ferrying the ballots to the counting centre.

Opposition de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed the party had proof of this and would help the Election Commission to probe the case.

Barisan Nasional’s Malcom Mussen Lamoh won against Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Jawah Gerang with a 1,854-vote majority in the by-election on Tuesday.
Anwar, who speaking at a press conference on the results of the three by-elections, said the counting of votes should have been carried out at the 14 polling centres.

Despite the defeat, Anwar insisted that Pakatan Rakyat, which also includes Pas and DAP, would take over the government in Sarawak at the next state polls.

He said Iban professionals and intellectuals were warming up to the opposition.

On Pas’ win in Bukit Gantang and PKR’s success in Bukit Selambau, Anwar said this showed the people still wanted change.

He said Pakatan Rakyat would also name a shadow cabinet soon, adding that they would be “credible to represent all races”.