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.

In his speech, Mujahid said PAS deputy president and Penang PAS commissioner Mohamad Sabu could not attend due to unavoidable circumstances.

"Although the deputy president could not attend, Penang PAS will give 101 percent support to PKR in the Permatang Pauh by-election. PAS is committed to its friends in the opposition pact," he said.

Among the opposition leaders present were PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, its deputy president Azmin Ali, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and its secretary-general Rafizi Ramli.

The PKR by-election machinery has chosen the slogan, "Demi Rakyat, Bantah GST, Tegakkan Keadilan" (For the Sake of the People, Oppose GST and Uphold Justice) for its campaign.

- Bernama