Malaysia

Crowds cheer Anwar's candidacy

Article published on the 2008-08-16 Latest update 2008-08-16 15:10 TU

Anwar Ibrahim and his wife and supporters wave to the crowd.
(Photo: Reuters)

An estimated 30 000 supporters gathered in Penang, Malaysia to cheer on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as he registered his candidacy for a by-election that could put him back in parliament, and one step closer to his plan to become prime minister.

There were also 5,000 government supporters on hand, who jeered Anwar’s supporters as well as 3,000 riot police in case the crowd got out of hand.

The 26 August by-election is also seen as a test of his popular appeal as Anwar has been charged with Sodomy – the same charge that jailed him ten years ago.

“I am touched by the support,” Anwar said as he arrived at the Permatang Pauh constituency.

Anwar denies the sodomy charges, saying that he is being framed by authorities to prevent him from ousting the ruling Barisan National coalitions. Anwar’s party has already shown its strength, winning one third of parliament’s seats in elections held last March.

Anwar was deputy premier in 1998, when he was sacked due to similar sodomy charges, that were subsequently thrown out. But after Anwar was formally charged earlier this month, a 20 year jail sentence could derail his chances for a political comeback.