The launching of the PKR machinery in Bukit Mertajam for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat by-election took place without the involvement of PAS' top leaders.

The event was attended by all the PKR and DAP leaders while PAS was only represented by its Muslimat (women's wing) chief Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, its Penang deputy commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa and its Permatang Pasir assemblyperson Mohd Salleh Man.