Anwar sworn in as Port Dickson MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly-elected Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, 71, was sworn in as a lawmaker in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 15) morning.

Anwar received thunderous applause when Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohd Ariff Md Yusof announced that a new lawmaker would take oath.

After taking his oath and signing a declaration, the PKR president-elect received another round of applause.

Mohd Ariff in a brief message told the Port Dickson lawmaker to uphold the dignity of the Parliamentary institution as it is the highest legislative body in the nation.

"I am confident that the YB will discharge his duties as demanded by this institution and I am confident you can contribute towards bringing Parliamentary reforms to improve the prestige (kewibawaan) of this august Hall.

"I also trust you will contribute to the Dewan and serve the nation and the people. Congratulations once again," said Mohd Ariff.

Anwar arrived at around 9.40am, wearing a set of black baju melayu and songkok accompanied by his daughter Nurul Nuha Anwar.

Anwar won in last Saturday's (Oct 13) by-election with a 23,560 majority, despite a low voter turnout of only 58.25%.

The PKR president-elect secured 31,016 votes against his other contenders.

Anwar was in a seven-cornered fight with PAS' Lt-Kol (Rtd) Mohd Nazari Mokhtar, Anwar's former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan and independent candidates Tan Sri Isa Samad, Kan Chee Yuen, Stevie Chan and Lau Seck Yan.

The Port Dickson by-election was triggered by the exit of its incumbent MP Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah to make way for Anwar's return into Parliament, as part of a power transition arrangement from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Anwar as agreed by Pakatan in January this year.

Danyal, in the 14th General Election, won the seat in a three-cornered fight with a whopping 17,710 vote majority.

However, the voter turnout then was 82.8%.