PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim today said no government machinery would be used in his campaign trail as a candidate for the forthcoming Port Dickson by-election.

Speaking at a press conference at PKR headquarters today, Anwar said this was an important move, given Pakatan Harapan's current position as the federal government.

"What is important also is that we (PKR) now include the deputy prime minister, the economics minister... I made it very clear I don't want any government facilities or machinery to be used during the elections.

"I will make sure that they come as party leaders only," he stressed.

At the press conference earlier, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail formally announced Anwar's candidacy for the by-election.

Also present were the two PKR deputy president contenders, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali and former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli (photo below).

Others top leaders present as well included Domestic Trade and Consumerism Minister Saifuddin Nasution, who is PKR secretary-general.

Asked on the expected multi-cornered contest in Port Dickson, Anwar said he welcomed any contenders, including any Independents who have indicated their interest to face him.

"The mere fact that the entire leadership is here today shows we do not take any elections lightly.

"We will have to appeal to the voters, we have to explain our position, and we have to campaign for their support," he said.

"We have to work very hard," he added in pointing out that everyone has a right to contest in a democracy.

So far, two Independent candidates have reportedly expressed their interest to contest the Negeri Sembilan parliament seat.

Earlier this month, Harapan supporter Stevie Chan reportedly said he decided to contest in Port Dickson as part of a growing backlash to Anwar’s engineering of a by-election so soon after the 14th general election.

"A democracy has certain processes that you should honour. Failing to honour them make a mockery of it,” Chan was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail.

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that former MIC secretary-general G Kumar Aaman said he wanted to contest to ensure that Umno is defeated.

Last week, Port Dickson's incumbent MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah announced that he is vacating the seat to facilitate Anwar's return to Parliament after a three-year hiatus.

Although Umno has not confirmed if it would contest in the by-election, speculation is rife that Linggi assemblyperson Abdul Rahman Mohd Redza might be named as its candidate.

PAS, on the other hand, has pledged to support the Umno candidate.

The Election Commission yesterday announced that the Port Dickson by-election will take place on Oct 13 while the nomination process will be held on Sept 29.