Politics

Anwar should set sights on something 'higher' than Tambun, says Perak opposition leader

IPOH: Perak opposition leader Dr Abdul Aziz Bari believes PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be "lowering his standards" if he were to contest in Tambun in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Aziz, who is also Perak DAP vice-chairman, said while he would welcome Anwar's decision to contest in Tambun, he believed that it would not be fitting of Anwar to contest against a "failed former menteri besar".

Aziz said Anwar, as a potential prime minister candidate, should set his sights higher.

"As a future prime minister candidate, he can contest anywhere. But, in my view, he should also consider his political status.

"That's not a problem, but do we want him to lower his standards (by contesting in Tambun)? Is it worth it?

"He is a prime minister-in-waiting. I don't think he would want to contest against an opponent who had failed as the menteri besar (Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu)," he told reporters when met at his home in Taman Pengkalan Tiara here, today.

He was commenting on Anwar's statement today that he was mulling contesting in Tambun in GE15.

The Tambun parliamentary seat is currently held by Ahmad Faizal, who is also Youth and Sports Minister and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president.

Ahmad Faizal was also the Perak menteri besar. He was ousted from the post after failing a vote of confidence in the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Dec, 2020.

Aziz had previously indicated his interest in contesting the Tambun seat in GE15. Aziz, who is also Tebing Tinggi assemblyman, acknowledged that Anwar's willingness to contest in Perak would give Pakatan Harapan (PH) an advantage in the state.

He however noted that no official decision has been made regarding the position of candidates and allocation of seats there so far.

"I think he was only responding to reporters' questions. He didn't officially say he would contest in Tambun, but for us, if the big boss wants to come, it would give us a boost," he said.

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