Perak PKR leaders dismiss speculation of Anwar Ibrahim moving constituencies, citing his ongoing commitment and development work in Tambun.
PETALING JAYA: Perak PKR has expressed confidence that party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) would defend the Tambun parliamentary seat in the 16th general election (GE16), dismissing speculation that he may shift to another constituency.
Party leaders said there is no indication that Anwar intends to leave Tambun, adding that ongoing grassroots work, development projects and political engagement in the constituency clearly point to his continued commitment.
Perak PKR Youth chief and Tambun PKR Youth Division chief Ashraf Kahasani said hearsay that Anwar may be looking for another seat, including claims that he could contest elsewhere such as a “safer” or alternative constituency, should be viewed as speculative narratives.
“From the ground, our focus has always been to work as best as possible in the Tambun parliamentary constituency,” he told theSun.
He also highlighted that political allies and party machinery have consistently intensified their presence in Tambun, including frequent visits by key leaders and regular grassroots programmes almost every month.
He also pointed to statements by Anwar, which repeatedly urged PKR’s party machinery in Tambun to continue strengthening their groundwork in the area.
However, Ashraf acknowleged that political strategies could evolve depending on timing and circumstances, adding that major decisions are often finalised closer to election periods.
Meanwhile, Perak PKR secretary Mohd Khairul Iwan Mat Khairi echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that Anwar should be viewed as a national leader who is not bound to contest only in so-called “safe seats”.
“Anwar is a statesman. He is not someone who is tied to contesting only in one particular parliamentary seat for the sake of safety.”
He acknowledged that if Anwar were to contest elsewhere, some might accuse him of abandoning Tambun, while others might claim he is seeking an easier win.
However, Khairul Iwan said developments made in Tambun under Anwar’s leadership as prime minister speak louder than rumours.
He added that numerous projects, maintenance works, development initiatives and allocations have been channelled to Tambun, including significant funding for schools and community facilities.
“We are very confident that if Anwar continues to contest in Tambun, he would win.”
He also said Anwar has previously demonstrated his willingness to contest in challenging constituencies, citing his decision to run in Port Dickson and later in Tambun, which was then considered a tough seat for PKR.
“Many of us at the state level were worried when he decided to contest in Tambun, which we had lost before. But he said he had to go there to show that if a president could contest and win in a seat we previously lost, why can’t other leaders do the same?”
