'Anwar doesn't feel secure in Permatang Pauh'

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak questioned opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's loyalty towards his constituents after the latter's decision to contest in Perak instead of defending his seat in Permatang Pauh.

Taking a swipe at Anwar's move to contest for an unspecified parliamentary seat in the silver state, Najib said a politician should remain loyal to his supporters instead of seeking shelter in other places.

Najib also implied that the transition might be prompted by the Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader's inability to rally support from his constituents in Permatang Pauh.

"I don't think he is feeling very secure in Permatang Pauh because he has abandoned them (the constituents) for so long since he entered politics. As for me, I would never dream of leaving (my constituency) Pekan.

"I would like to go on record as saying that I will live and die in Pekan, politically speaking," said Najib at a press conference after chairing Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting yesterday.

To a question on Anwar's confidence in making inroads into Sabah, Najib said people should realise that if Anwar could abandon his supporters in Permatang Pauh, the same fate could befall others in the future.

"It is the loyalty... of the people who stood by you, which matters in politics. It is about principle... and it is not just about winning."

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said Anwar's presence in Perak would have little or no effect over the state, and the election as a whole.

Speaking at a press conference after attending the Statistics Department's Outstanding Service Award ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya yesterday, Nor dismissed Anwar's move as a "statistically insignificant" matter.

Nor said Malaysia had become a country to be reckoned with in the region due to the roles played by the country's leadership, starting from the era of Tunku Abdul Rahman to Najib's administration.

He said this showed that since gaining independence, the country's leaders had a clear direction to ensure the country's progress was on track.

"In some cases, we are far ahead of other countries that achieved independence at the same time.

"Our leadership is also focused on their responsibilities and roles to improve the living standards of the people by 2020. I am confident we can achieve that vision."

Anwar penuh dengan muslihat dan tipu helah.Bn harus waspada.