Anwar does not expect tough fight in by-election

KLANG, Aug 3 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not expect a tough fight in the upcoming by-election for the parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh, Penang. However, he is not resting on his newly-gained laurels either.

"We're not taking things lightly. If Umno and Barisan Nasional decide to go rough with bribery, then we have to be prepared," the 61-year-old Opposition leader said today at a press conference here after welcoming 2,097 new members into Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

The former deputy prime minister who lost his hometown seat 10 years ago when he was deposed and jailed on corruption and sodomy charges (later overturned) reminded reporters that the ruling government party had attempted similar tricks in another by-election in Ijok. He added that Umno will have to be "more circumspect in their methods" now that his current situation has been gaining increasing attention from the local and international media.

Anwar Ibrahim, flanked by wife Dr Wan Azizah and Datin Dr Tan Yee Kew, after the PKR rally in Klang today. — picture by Choo Choy May

"Because we have been getting enough national and international attention, people can judge. I believe my friends from all around the country (will continue to support me)." He remained unperturbed by rumours of his impending arrest and charge for sodomy, even after his accuser, Mohd Saiful Azlan Bukhari, a former male aide, recently posted comments on his blog that he helped broker deals for the de facto PKR leader.

"Have you heard anything new? I hope not! Look at the facts. If my alibi is foolproof...They have no basis, no reason, no grounds for me to be arrested," he said. Anwar continues to maintain that Saiful was nothing more than a "coffee boy".

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, had also revealed that he was in discussions with Anwar at the time he was allegedly committing the act.

-TMI