Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has described the Bagan Pinang by-election as a battle to gauge whether the Malay heartlands in Malaysia have changed their mindset.

Anwar, who is also Permatang Pauh parliamentarian, said Umno has been playing the racial card by alleging that Pakatan Rakyat elected representatives would betray the Malays in helping the Chinese and Indian minorities.

anwar sodomy 2 duta court hearing pkr leaders 080709 13 "They condemned us by saying we give land to the Chinese farmers. I would like to ask, what is wrong with giving land to poor farmers...," he said late yesterday before campaigning came to a close at midnight.

"In the past, who gave a whole mountain in Pahang to be developed into a gambling resort? Who gave APs (approved permits) to selected rich individuals and cronies?"

He argued that Pakatan politicians would assist all poor people, be they Malay, Chinese or Indians.

According to the Pakatan leader, Malaysia is primed for change and his opposition coalition has injected a new idea into the nation’s political landscape where all communities, and not one particular community, will benefit.

In the Bagan Pinang by-election, Umno is pinning its hopes on former menteri besar Mohd Isa Samad while PAS is fielding its state commissioner, Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, as its candidate.

MCA party workers advised to go home

Meanwhile, PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar asked MCA party workers to stop campaigning and go home.

mahfuz omar "The MCA EGM (extraordinary general meeting) has shown clear signs that the delegates reject a president who is accused of corruption.

"Hence, MCA members campaigning here should do the same - close its party machinery and stop campaigning for Isa who had been convicted for money politics."

Similarly, Mahfuz said Umno workers should also reject a tainted candidate such as Isa.

"Leave him on his own, and ensure that a clean candidate from PAS and Pakatan represent the constituency."