Thousands turn up as Dr M unveiled as candidate for Langkawi

GE14 | PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail tonight unveiled Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the parliamentary seat of Langkawi.

"With pride and prayer that victory will be on our side, I announce Mahathir as the candidate for Langkawi," she told more than 5,000 people who turned up at Harapan's ceramah on the island tonight.

Earlier, Mahathir had announced Bersatu's list of candidates for state and parliamentary seats in Kedah, but left out Langkawi.

The puzzled crowd then shouted "Langkawi! Langkawi!" as Mahathir returned to his seat.

Later, Wan Azizah took the stage, stating that Mahathir had always shared an affinity with Langkawi, where he first served as a doctor.

"Anwar Ibrahim used to tell me that Mahathir had a sentimental feeling about Langkawi as it was here where he first served as a government doctor," he said.

She then went on to detail Mahathir's continued contribution to Langkawi even after he became prime minister before finally announcing him as the candidate as the crowd cheered wildly. Some also released flares into the air.

A heavy downpour followed shortly after the announcement.

Mahathir is also Pakatan Harapan chairperson while Wan Azizah is the coalition's president.

Prior to that, Mahathir unveiled five of Bersatu's parliamentary candidates in Kedah.

They are Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun), Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu), Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Pendang), Taufik Yaakob (Baling) and Akramshah Sanusi (Jerai).

Both Mukhriz and Amiruddin will also contest in a state seat, namely Jitra and Anak Bukit respectively.

Other state seat candidates are A Aziz Mohamud (Ayer Hitam), Halimahton Saadiah Saad (Bukit Kayu Hitam), Mohd Aziad Roslan (Bukit Lada), Syed Fadzil Syed Embun (Kuala Nerang), Abdul Razak Khamis (Sungai Tiang), Mohd Nazari Abu Hassan (Jeneri), Abdul Rahim Kechik (Bayu), Mohd Saffuan Sabari (Guar Chempadak), Annuar Abdul Hamid (Tanjung  Dawai), Azimi Daim (Bandar Baru) and Johari Bulat (Kuah Hangat),

Earlier, Mahathir received a rock star welcome as soon as he arrived at 9.07pm.  People rushed to take photographs with him.

In his speech, Mahathir took aim at Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"Najib came and gave a lot of money to the people of Langkawi. But these people gave the money to us to fight Najib. Padan muka (serves him right).

"Najib's strategy does not work because Langkawi people may take your money but won't support you (government)," he said.  - Mkini