COMMENT | Many people tell me that the more they hear prime minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim talk during the hustings in Port Dickson (PD), the more the bile rises in their throats.

The side-show at PD is a major distraction to satisfy the cravings of one man. It was flawed from the very beginning. Despite the pressing issues of the nation, some MPs have been forced to waste precious time canvassing in PD, in a show of solidarity.

Many issues need urgent attention, such as national security and cyber security. The rise of extremism. The inability of the Women's Ministry to resolve the issue of child marriages. The root causes of single mothers resorting to prostitution. Pollution. The grid-locked roads. The inadequate public transport system. The inequality in society. The failing education system. The rise of intolerant ulamas. The two-tiered justice system, which has failed Muslim women. The tahfiz schools debacle. Don't underestimate the damage these have done.

More recently, the gate-crashing of the army veterans event by Anwar and his star studded treatment, which was followed days later by the announcement that "Tony Fernandes is my new pal, he will develop PD."

The sheer hypocrisy, the double standards and Anwar's strong sense of entitlement are unpalatable. The gormless attitude of his followers, who treat Anwar like Moses, is disappointing. Change in GE14 was not intended to give Anwar a licence to act like Umno-Baru 2.0

As for the MPs who have to rally round Anwar, and give him their support, what else can they do? To refuse, would invite criticisms of disunity within Pakatan Harapan. To campaign with him, has already been seen as kow-towing to the future PM, as they hope to keep their positions after a cabinet reshuffle.

On Oct 3, Anwar made a surprise appearance at the army museum in PD. After being criticised by Malaysians, PKR's communication director, Fahmi Fadzil, clarified that Anwar had been a guest.

Fahmi is not stupid. An invited guest would not spoil the defence minister's presentation award ceremony by turning-up unannounced. Anwar was most disrespectful to the army veterans. He knows that Mat Sabu will not turn him away, because it would reflect badly on the defence minister...