Anwar ready for challengers but would be 'happier' if there are none

PD POLLS | PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim said he welcomes challengers in the Port Dickson by-election but would be happier if there are none.

He said this in response to Umno's decision to boycott the by-election.

"I take it positively if there’s (news of) someone not wanting to contest. Of course, I welcome the competition but I'll be happier if there is no contest.

"If Umno is not contesting, okay. But, of course, I still have to face the independent candidates," he told journalists in Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar noted that he had also faced criticism over the by-election.

"I will have to respond to them but it is also their right to air their views," he said.

The Port Dickson by-election was triggered after its incumbent MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah resigned to allow Anwar to contest.

The by-election is meant to pave the way for Anwar's return to Parliament and possibly take up the position of prime minister when Dr Mahathir Mohamad decides to hand over the reins.

Umno yesterday announced that it would not contest the by-election while PAS leaders have also expressed reluctance.

However, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang previously said Anwar should not be allowed a "free win" and wanted his party to join the fray if Umno chose not to.

PAS is expected to come to a decision on the by-election at a later date. -Mkini