Just moments ago, it was confirmed at a press conference today (12th September) that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be contesting the Port Dickson seat.
The constituency’s current Member of Parliament, Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, will be vacating his seat, triggering a by-election that the PKR leader will contest in.
JUST IN: @anwaribrahim to stage his return to Parliament in Port Dickson. The current MP – Danyal Balagopal Abdullah – will vacate his seat, triggering a by-election which the PKR president and “PM-in-waiting” will contest in. pic.twitter.com/ZbQqBRuvLn
— Sumisha Naidu (@SumishaCNA) September 12, 2018
According to the Malay Mail, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli was reportedly seen at the Dewan Rakyat building earlier this morning, and was believed to have delivered Danyal’s resignation letter to the speaker earlier this morning (12th September).
Danyal, who won the Port Dickson seat in GE14 with 75,212 votes, is a retired admiral, and rumours of him stepping down have concerned other veterans from the National Patriots Association (NPA).
NPA president Brig. Gen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji warned that Anwar could encounter backlash if Danyal vacated his seat, saying,
“Asking Danyal to vacate his parliament seat may cause a backlash by veterans and those still serving in Port Dickson constituency. Their votes may turn out to be protest votes against Anwar Ibrahim. It is also likely to have a negative impact on future armed forces candidates in elections when senior officers are not given their due regards.”
Source: Malay Mail
As for when the by-election will be held, a date is yet to be announced.
This is a developing story, so stay tuned for more updates!
Also read: “I Have No Problem With Giving Up My Seat For Anwar,” Says Selayang MP
