Third time an incumbent will make way for Anwar

(The Star) – Should an elected representative resign to make way for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it will be the third time an incumbent has had to vacate a seat to make way for the latter within a decade.

In 2008, Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail stepped down as PKR’s Permatang Pauh MP to pave the way for his return to Parliament.

The Aug 26 by-election proved to be “fruitful” for Anwar, who won despite being charged with sodomy under Section 377B of the Penal Code on Aug 7 that year.

In a three-cornered contest against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah and Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia’s Hanafi Hamat, he won with a handsome 15,671-vote majority.

But Anwar was prevented from contesting after a conviction by the Court of Appeal on his sodomy case.

Dr Wan Azizah then replaced him as the candidate. She won the direct fight against Barisan’s Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun with a 5,379-vote majority.