PKR deputy president Azmin Ali has challenged former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to campaign for the BN candidate in the coming Sungai Limau by-election in Kedah.

pas azam sg limau by election 211013 02 "Why do we need to retain Sungai Limau? We want to give a clear message to BN, Umno and Mukhriz, who lost in the Umno elections, that they are also rejected by voters here," Azmin (extreme left in photo) said.

"We (Pakatan Rakyat) did not reject Mukhriz. I’ve known him for a long time. I am Mahathir's godson (anak angkat). At Pakatan's presidential meeting, I was told to focus on Sungai Limau and to face Mahathir.

"If Umno rejected Mahathir and Mukhriz, why do you need to support the party in this by-election?”

Azmin said he is not afraid of Mahathir and “only fears Allah”, vowing to fight Umno and BN until they lose the state seat in the-election on Nov 4.

NONE He was addressing some 1,000 people at a ceramah in Sungai Limau Dalam last night, when Mohd Azam Samat (left) was named as PAS’ candidate for the by-election.

Mohd Azam, 37, a co-curriculum assistant coordinator at a religious school, will face the BN's Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 52, a former university lecturer. Tomorrow is nomination day.

Extending wishes from PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Azmin explained that they had just left for Turkey.

"However, on Nov 1, the leaders will be in Sungai Limau up to polling day to witness Pakatan's victory. If Mahathir is brave, try it!" he added to cheers.    

NONE Azmin also reaffirmed the strong relationship between Pakatan allies, pointing to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (right) who was sitting next to DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang on the stage.

"Never before in Malaysia's history has there been a Chinese leader who dares go to a Malay heartland and support PAS," Azmin said, referring to Lim.

"We have seen how BN and Umno campaign. If they dare, bring MCA president (Dr) Chua Soi Lek here," he jested, drawing laughter.

‘Umno’s funeral on Nov 4'

Azmin explained that Lim is not anti-Malay or anti-Islam, that he is only "anti-Umno and BN" and supports Malays who are "clean, trustworthy, good, and not corrupt".

"He does not support Malays who steal cows, he does not support Malays who killed Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu," Azmin said.

He also invited Lim and his son, Guan Eng, to attend “Umno's funeral” on polling day, eliciting loud cheers and applause.

Also present were Kedah PKR head Johari Abdul, Nibong Tebal MP Mansor Othman, state assemblypersons Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya) and Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Seri Andalas).

The state seat fell vacant on Sept 26, when Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS died of a heart ailment. He had represented the constituency for five terms.