Syabas, says Anwar
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today paid tribute to the Pakatan Rakyat election machinery and the voters in Penanti for the victory of PKR candidate Mansor Othman.
“In the past 14 months, the voters have faced an election three times (including his own parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh).
“Despite this, they have not wavered from supporting Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda for change. The results show that ‘justice’ is still supported by the people,” he said.
Anwar also commended the people of Penanti for “making the right choice” in endorsing Mansor as their representative and the future deputy chief minister of Penang.
“Hopefully, he will honour the trust they have placed in him by working hard to serve the people,” he added.
Speaking to reporters at the counting centre later, Anwar said despite the low voter turnout, it was still a ‘convincing’ victory.
“I feel proud with the result we achieved. Although we faced the challenge of independent candidates, we still managed a commendable win,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mansor said he is looking forward to serve the people.
“I will seek guidance from my two leaders, Anwar and (Penang Chief Minister Lim) Guan Eng,” he said thanking all Pakatan leaders and supporters.
Lim said he will recommend Mansor as deputy chief minister I and will be sworn in on Wednesday.
“I welcome the fact that a capable leader with excellent academic qualification will assist me in governing the state,” he added.
Nai Khan disappointed
Meanwhile independent candidate Nai Khan Ari said he was disappointed with his defeat, especially as he had to lose his deposit.
“If not, I can treat my supporter to eat. I now only can use lesser budget to treat them,” he told reporters at the polling centre.
He said that he had expected to win in Teluk Wang and Sungai Lembu. In the final tally, he had come behind Mansor in these two areas as well.
The former Penang Gerakan youth leader was however glad that he had raised so issues in his campaign, especially on matters relating to poverty and the lack of basic amenities in Teluk Wang.
“I hope the federal and state governments will look after these people,” he said.
He also made it clear that he will not be rejoining Gerakan and will remain an independent so that he can freely voice out his opinion.
