'Opposition can take Penang'

Zarinah Daud / The Star Newspaper / 8 March 2008
 

BUTTERWORTH: The opposition can capture the Penang Government with a two-thirds majority, said PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at a ceramah in Seberang Jaya yesterday, he said that his opinion was based on the people's strong support towards the opposition during the campaign period and also their reception to the idea of equal rights as preached by opposition leaders.

He also pledged that the opposition would release those detained under the Internal Security Act "one hour after forming the government" if the authorities were satisfied that they had been detained illegally.

Anwar said PAS, DAP and PKR had achieved a "high level of understanding" never seen before in the past.

"We work as a team for equal rights and I do not have problems dealing with Lim Kit Siang and other DAP leaders.

"We discuss matters rationally and argue constructively towards a common goal, that is to improve the people's livelihood."

He pledged to get the "right people" irrespective of their race to work in GLCs like Malaysia Airlines to push the country's economy to greater heights.

Anwar said the people's voting trend would change from one where voters marked the opposition for the parliamentary seat and the Barisan Nasional for state seat. "They will vote in the opposition for both seats."

In Bukit Mertajam, Anwar's wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail said she had no regrets revealing her intention to vacate the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat should she win to allow her husband to stand in a by-election when the ban restraining him from electoral politics expires on April 14.

"I am an accidental politician and do not have any political background and ambition. I was pushed into politics due to circumstances.

"I know that the Barisan Nasional has been attacking me on the matter in Permatang Pauh, claiming that I am being selfish."