Anwar’s big win helps PH to deal with Malay-Islamic issues, says Zaid

PETALING JAYA: Former minister Zaid Ibrahim has welcomed Anwar Ibrahim’s return to active politics, saying it also signals the waning influence of PAS among the Malay electorate.

He said the strong majority achieved by Anwar in the Port Dickson by-election, where initial findings showed voters in predominantly Malay districts had supported the PKR leader, would also boost Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) confidence in dealing with Malay-Islamic issues.

“PAS makes no progress and this will enable PH to move into the Malay States,” Zaid told FMT.

“They will be more confident in dealing with the Malay-Islamic issues.”

PAS’ Mohd Nazari Mokhtar, the only candidate who contested against Anwar under a party banner, got 7,456 votes, far behind Anwar’s 31,016 votes.

Zaid said Anwar’s victory should now be followed by his appointment as the deputy prime minister, replacing his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. -FMT