From Penang's Little India to Bayan Baru, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim had the crowd in stitches with his 'lembu' (cow) jokes, barbs aimed directly at Women, Family Development and Welfare Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Yesterday being International Women's Day was no matter to Anwar, as he continued criticising Shahrizat who is snared in the National Feedlot Corporation controversy with her ministership increasingly coming under threat.

NONE While addressing the 300-odd crowd in Market Street area also known as Little India, Anwar ( fourth from left in photo ) said he was aware that state Umno Youth members have been spreading the word that Penang will return to the BN.

The Permatang Pauh MP laughed it off, saying that Penangites would stay by the Pakatan Rakyat and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng because of his countless "achievements and good record".

"In fact, this time we can win bigger. What does BN have to offer? Maybe Shahrizat can offer some cows," he said to be greeted by an explosion of laughter.

The 6.30 to 7.30pm event was organised by PKR Batu Uban assemblyperson S Raveentharan, who has a legal office in Beach Street, near Little India.

Raveentharan, state PKR vice-president, described the event as "historic", as the crowd received Anwar when he arrived in Pitt Street, accompanying him in his walkabout, before a ceramah in Market Street, with garlands of flower hanging around his neck.

The crowd which ignored a drizzle while waiting for him since 4.30pm appeared to have shrugged off their annoyance and joined the excitement and laughter with Anwar's arrival in pomp.

More than one dart board

But Shahrizat was not the only butt of jokes in Anwar's speeches, pro-Lynas supporters who allegedly disrupted an anti-Lynas rally organised by Suaram, in support of Himpunan Hijau 2.0, also fell victim.

NONE The pro-Lynas supporters comprised members from Umno Youth and Malay rights group Perkasa.

Anwar said the act by the hostile group was not Malay culture, and he does not endorse such violence at all.

"That is the work of 'pandikutties' (Tamil for piglets)!" he exclaimed, the mostly Indian crowd broke into hearty laughter, especially enjoying his repetition of the joke.

"It is not that one cannot argue with the chief minister, of course you can. Not everyone has to support Pakatan. You can disagree if you want or support others, but please do not act like them," he said.

"Umno Youth is now desperate and fears what will happen because from Perlis to Sabah, everyone is seeking change," he added.

Meanwhile, in Bayan Baru for a dinner event, also organised by Raveentharan, speaking before a 1,000-strong crowd, Anwar said he was often accused by Umno of being ridden like a horse (diperkudakan) by the DAP and PAS.

"But I would rather be ridden like a horse by DAP, PAS or the rakyat than become cows like the BN," said Anwar, provoking laughter in the attentive crowd.

NONE Again taking aim at the NFC issue which Najib and his cabinet find hard pressed to resolve before the coming elections, which must be called before May next year, Anwar charged Umno with stealing from the people.

He added that it was the "worst form of politics" when Umno is allowed to get away with it.

He said he was singling out that party because MCA and Gerakan are no longer relevant in BN's equation.

"What is the difference between them (Umno-BN) and us. They have stolen companies, contracts, privatisation and now they even want to steal cows," igniting tons of laughter from the mostly Chinese crowd.

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