My majority was beyond expectations, says Anwar

New Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim described his victory in the parliamentary by-election there with a comfortable majoritytoday as beyond his expectations.

In the by-election, the Pakatan Harapan coalition gained 70 percent of the popular vote, surpassing the 48 percent garnered in the 14th general election for the Port Dickson seat, he said.

“Now we are able to capture the confidence of all races, in areas where the Malays were the majority, where the Chinese were the majority and also where the Indians were the majority and not forgetting the Orang Asli population.

“In two state seats under the Port Dickson parliamentary constituency (Bagan Pinang and Linggi) that we previously lost in GE14, we have now won them with style, with big majorities,” he told a press conference at the Harapan main operations room for the Port Dickson by-election after it was announced he won the seat last night.

Anwar garnered 23,560 votes, defeating six other contenders.

Anwar, who is also PKR president-elect, said that votes from Malaysian Armed Forces personnel which had previously been less favourable to Harapan also witnessed a surge of almost 122 percent from the last general election.

"Of course, I would like to return my appreciation to Port Dickson, a new parliamentary constituency for me, and I am very impressed by this support. I can only promise that we will do our best for Port Dickson," he said.

Anwar believed the spirit of consensus as displayed by Harapan has brought about a strong mandate for him in the by-election.

He was also thankful that the by-election process proceeded smoothly and he expressed his appreciation to the entire Harapan machinery in assisting to secure his victory.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he would be sworn in as MP tomorrow and pledged to bring about changes in the institution with other members of Parliament.

“I will continue to serve as a member of Parliament and assist other friends, especially senior members of Parliament such as Lim Kit Siang to formulate reforms and hold forums as well as discussions with ministers from time to time,” he said.

Also present at the media conference were outgoing PKR president and Anwar’s wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also deputy prime minister, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.

Meanwhile, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin Muhyiddin congratulated Anwar on his victory.

“His success in obtaining the mandate of the people with a bigger majority in the by-election proves the support of the voters to Harapan remains strong,” he said via a posting on his Facebook page.

“I believe his return as a member of Parliament will further strengthen the coalition under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. I am confident the partnership of the two leaders will have a positive impact on the people and the country."

Muhyiddin also thanked the entire Harapan machinery for their hard work in ensuring the coalition’s victory.
-- Bernama