KUALA LUMPUR – Speculation has been rife that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Johor today as part of his Jelajah Presiden tour is to scout for new parliamentary seats to potentially contest in the 15th general election (GE15).
The opposition leader said it is still too early for him to make a decision on which seat to contest in during the much talked about GE15.
However, the Port Dickson MP did not dismiss allegations that he could be eyeing a federal seat in the southern state.
“Really? Where? In Simpang Renggam, he will not allow it,” Anwar said in jest, referring to newest PKR member Maszlee Malik.
“But as usual, it is still too early. They speculated because I came to Kluang and Simpang Renggam.
“I am not saying no (to contesting in Johor), but I don’t know,” he told the waiting press after an event to welcome Maszlee into PKR’s fold.
Earlier during the event, the emcee had also invited the Pakatan Harapan chairman to contest in Johor, saying the Tebrau and Batu Pahat seats are still “vacant”.
“I think we can invite Anwar to contest in Johor. We have two seats that are vacant – Tebrau and Batu Pahat. God willing, we can recapture Johor and then Putrajaya.”
Tebrau MP Steven Choong left PKR and turned independent, but declared support for the Perikatan Nasional government led by then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in February.
As for Batu Pahat, Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon is the current MP in that seat. Rashid was one of 11 PKR lawmakers who defected from the party during the Sheraton Move in February last year.
Meanwhile, on Maszlee officially joining PKR, Anwar said the participation of the former education minister offers a breath of fresh air to the party.
“It is very meaningful as he represents the youth who can further strengthen the party.
“We have not discussed if Maszlee would defend the Simpang Renggam seat yet. We have not discussed matters pertaining to seats.
“But of course, Maszlee’s performance as a minister, and as one of the many MPs who work the ground, will be considered.” – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
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