Anwar explains why Streram was chosen over a Malay

RANTAU POLLS | PKR president Anwar Ibrahim spent a good deal of his time at three ceramah sessions in Rantau last night, explaining why he fielded Dr S Streram instead of a Malay candidate in the by-election.

While his deliveries varied slightly, depending on whether the crowd was predominantly Malay or non-Malay, Anwar focused his explanation on four points, namely:

• That it was to fulfil a promise to field an Indian in Rantau;
  
• That Malays are not under threat, as the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, and the prime minister are Malays;
  
• That it was Streram's efforts to file an election petition which led to the by-election; and
  
• Espousing Streram's humanitarian missions to Muslim-countries Sudan and Afghanistan.

Anwar's move to field Streram has not been widely accepted, including by factions in his own party.

This is after BN managed to win two of the last by-elections, thanks in part to its cooperation with PAS and playing up Malay-Muslim sentiments.

However, Anwar argued that it was only right to field Streram as PKR had pledged to field an Indian candidate in Rantau in the 14th general election, in exchange for fielding a Malay candidate in Jeram Padang.

"Some people say it is about Malay survival. PAS and Umno have joined forces so we must put a Malay candidate.

"In Port Dickson, I asked the Indians to support me, in Gopeng Lee Boon Chye asked for Indian support, but in Rantau we can't field an Indian, it must be a Malay. It's not fair," he said during his first ceramah in Taman Angsamas last night.

Anwar made similar remarks at his second ceramah in Taman Sri Ramai, and his final ceramah for the night at Kampung Felda Sendayan.

The first two crowds in Taman Angsamas and Taman Sri Ramai, numbering around 300 and 200 residents respectively, were predominantly Indian.

In Kampung Felda Sendayan, most of the 400 people in attendance were Malays.

During that last ceramah, Anwar also drummed up on his Malay credentials, including his time leading the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) - to assuage any concerns that his Malay audience might have.

Besides defending his decision to field Streram, Anwar also spoke about his plans for development in Port Dickson to have a spillover effect on Rantau and other surrounding areas.

Anwar said there are several projects in the pipeline for his parliament constituency, which neighbours the Rembau parliamentary seat, under which is the Rantau state seat.

"If you agree with this, I will make the Rantau assemblyperson part of the Port Dickson development plan. Agree? If yes then you have to (help us) win," Anwar said in Taman Angsamas.

He later clarified with reporters that his plans would continue even if Umno's Mohamad Hasan (photo) wins the Rantau by-election.

However, he said, it would be easier to deal with Streram.

"How can I negotiate with Mohamad?" Anwar said during his final ceramah.

The Rantau by-election is a four-corned fight involving Streram, Mohamad and independent candidates R Malar and Mohd Nor Yasin.

The seat fell vacant after the Federal Court upheld a decision to void Mohamad's walkover win last year.

This stemmed from the returning officer's move to block Streram from filing his nomination papers in the 2018 general election.

Polling day is on April 13. - Mkini