Cheers rang out from supporters when the Election Commission announced the names of the candidates who have qualified for the Port Dickson by-election.

However, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's name elicited raucous jeers from Pakatan Harapan supporters present at the Port Dickson Municipal Council this morning, where the nomination process took place.

The boos rang out each time his name was mentioned by the returning officer.

Harapan's candidate Anwar Ibrahim was convicted of sodomising Saiful, who was the PKR president-elect's former aide.

Anwar has maintained that the charge was fabricated by his political rivals. On May 16, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V granted him a full pardon.

Understandable reaction

When asked later about his supporters’ reaction to Saiful, Anwar said he will advise them against behaving in such a manner in the future. 

Despite that, he said, their reaction was understandable when taking into consideration what happened in the past. 

“I will advise them of course but then you can also appreciate the malicious effort on his part in the past. 

“It is easier to say that, for me to forgive and move on, but also to appreciate the concern of many who are deeply hurt and suffered in the process,” Anwar said. 

Saiful announced last night that he intended to contest in the Port Dickson by-election. 

He said that his decision had nothing to do with personal issues or partisan politics. 

The Port Dickson by-election was triggered when its incumbent MP Danyal Balagopal Abdullah vacated the seat to make way for Anwar’s return to Parliament.