KEMAMAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted at the possibility of Gen (Rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor being handed a 'bigger role' should the Barisan Nasional candidate win the Kemaman by-election on Dec 2.
Anwar described the 'role' was to serve as the bridge between the Federal government and the Terengganu state government.
"I hope voters in Kemaman will provide full backing by supporting the former armed forces chief in the by-election. He has an excellent record in executing his duties.
"Insya Allah, with his position, I believe that when he is elected to become a member of Parliament, he will not serve like a normal one. He will be given the duty(responsibility) to ensure good ties between the government and the Prime Minister," he said.
Anwar was speaking during the Ceramah Mega Perpaduan Madani at Dataran Restoran Cahaya Mesra Geliga here last night in conjunction with the Kemaman parliamentary seat by-election.
Meanwhile, Anwar described Affandi as not an ordinary person since he had overcome various challenges and obstacles to the highest position in the military.
"He has to certainly have an outstanding record to be promoted as the armed forces chief...(he needs) approval from the defence minister to the prime minister then the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on behalf of the Malay Rulers.
"His record serving as the armed forces chief is good, with no flaws. At least the people in Kemaman(can) remember the contribution of someone who safeguarded and defended every inch of this blessed land," he said.
The Kemaman parliamentary seat by-election is a straight fight between Raja Mohamed Affandi and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who was picked to represent Perikatan Nasional.
The by-election was called following the decision of the Terengganu Election Court on Sept 26 to annul the victory of Pas candidate Che Alias Hamid in the 15th general election.