Anwar to contest in Perak
The opposition leader says he is making his move to strengthen support for Pakatan Rakyat in the state.
Anisah Shukry and Alyaa Azhar, FMT
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today announced that he would be leaving his constituency of Permatang Pauh to contest a seat in Perak.
“I will have to go back to Permatang Pauh to appease them [constituents]; there was a very strong protest, but it was not my intention to disrespect the voters there,” Anwar said at a press conference at the PKR headquarters here today.
“Some have raised concerns, mentioned that they have been with me over these years, even when I was in prison, they were there to support me.”
But he said he explained to the voters there that his purpose for moving to Perak was to strengthen support there for Pakatan Rakyat, and not to “ditch” Permatang Pauh voters.
“They said to me, ‘now you’re strong, en route to Putrajaya, don’t just ditch us’. But that is not my intention.
“But my relations with Permatang Pauh is quite sentimental, so I would need to engage with them and explain to them by tomorrow.”
However, he refused to divulge exactly which seat he would be contesting in Perak, saying that the candidates’ list will be announced tomorrow after a meeting with Pakatan leaders.
Candidates’ list 90% ready
Meanwhile, election director Azmin Ali, who was also at the press conference, said that PKR was now “definitely ready” with its list of candidates.
