Speculation is rife that Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and state PKR chief Mansor Othman had won the Permatang Pauh deputy chief's post uncontested because the other two contestants were "pressured" to withdraw from the election on Sunday.

Incumbent deputy chief Che Mat Ha NONE him and secretary Roselai Muhammad - had reportedly been "pressured" by PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim to withdraw from the election.

However, Anwar, when met in Guar Perahu yesterday, denied involvement in the contest.

"I have never intervened nor have I persuaded those who contested against Mansor ( left ) to withdraw," he told reporters at an Aidilfitri open house event. We have to respect the members' will," he said.

Mansor,who is the Penanti assemblyperson, has only recently become a member of Permatang Pauh as he was formerly chairperson of the Balik Pulau division.

Che Mat had reportedly withdrew his candidacy due to health problems but rumours are circulating that Roselai had been asked not to challenge Mansor for it would have been rather awkward if the DCM I were to have lost his bid for a division post.

There were also allegations that Mansor lacked the support of the division's Youth wing, whose backing is crucial for campaigning purposes if the former wants to win the post.

It is learnt that prior to the election, the wing had reportedly gone all out to ensure that Mansor lost his bid.

‘Things not quite right'

Roselai appeared to be the favourite as secretary of the division, and had received the backing of Permatang Pauh Youth chief, Amir Ghazali.

penang amk and women wing asked zahrain to apologize 310109 amir ghazali Amir ( right ), who is also the state Youth chief, is said to be disappointed that Roselai had eventually pulled out of the race.

"This is one of the indications that things are not quite right with the division. Mansor's intention to ‘capture' it has been public knowledge since he became the DCM1," said PKR Youth exco member Amizuddin Ahmat.

Amizuddin, who was a former councillor with the Seberang Perai municipal council, said he had suspected that there would be no contest in Permatang Pauh for the deputy post as Anwar would definitely intervene to resolve the issue.

He said Anwar would definitely not allow the DCM1 to ‘perish' in his parliamentary seat as any fight there would prove to be fatal for the division.

"Today my prediction has been proven right as Mansor has won without contest," he added.