Anwar can contest in PD polls, says AG

Going all out: Anwar giving his speech in Port Dickson. Also present is Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Aminuddin Harun (on Anwar’s left). — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s eligibility to contest in the Port Dickson by-election is no longer in doubt.

Attorney General Tommy Thomas in a letter dated Sept 21 confirmed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had granted a “full pardon” (pengampunan penuh) to Anwar.

“Accordingly, by virtue of Article 48(1)(e) of the Federal Constitution, Datuk Seri Anwar is not disqualified from standing as a candidate for the forthcoming by-election for the Port Dickson constituency,” the letter stated.

Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim had queried on the PKR president-elect’s status.

In her Facebook page on Thursday, she posted a photo of the letter.

“I just checked in my hotel then I saw my daughter’s message that a package from the AG’s Chamber arrived. So, there you go folks! He can run for the Port Dickson by-election,” she said in her post.

Meanwhile, Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah said he is seeking legal advice over insinuations that he received money to vacate his Port Dickson parliamentary seat for Anwar’s return to Parliament.

Danyal, a retired navy officer, was referring to allegations that he received RM25mil in exchange for his resignation as an MP, which made rounds on social media.

Danyal also addressed calls for MPs who vacated their seats without just cause to be investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“There is now an article in a news portal insinuating that I, a retired Navy Admiral is corrupt and should be investigated by the MACC,” he said.

“I am known as quite a forgiving person. However, I cannot allow people to take advantage of my personality and knowingly slander or defame me,” he said.