Change in leadership may be best for the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary constituency.

This was the opinion given by several of the constituency voters when asked of the best change needed in view of the upcoming by-election on May 7.

Some even said that it is time for them to be eased out of the leadership legacy held by its former MP, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Trader, Rosliza Ishak, 45, said that the chosen representative should always take into account the issues and concerns of the constituents.

“If the people are in trouble, they should be here. Don’t be quiet there (outside of Permatang Pauh),” said Rosliza.

Another voter, Jamaliah Hashim, 49, said a newcomer may take away the legacy brought about by Anwar.

“We are not looking for riches; we only want to run a normal life. Stable, no Employees Provident Fund (EPF) issues for the elderly and no Goods and Services Tax (GST) issues.

“Apart from that the representative should be concerned and always look into the peoples condition. If there is a problem, he should come. That is what we want,” said Jamaliah.

The Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat is seen as Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s strong fort when it won the seat since 1982.

Anwar was the MP in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1995 before being jailed for six years in 1999 for being found guilty of four corruption charges for misuse of power.

His wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah wan Ismail later took over as MP in 1999 until 2008 before vacating the seat to provide path for Anwar following his release in 2004.

Meanwhile, private staff Zulkifli Abdullah, 57, said that a candidate’s age also affected the voters choice.

“Now, the people will choose a younger candidate as they are looking for changes, potential and qualification.

“The older people use older ways,” said Zulkifli.

He added that the candidate contesting should also aim to develop the area.

Meanwhile, another resident who only wanted to be known as Abang Jo, 49, said that the representative chosen should be able to give his best for the people in the constituency.

“It does not matter who represents us. We want a representative who will represent our voice for the best of Permatang Pauh,” said Abang Jo.

The Permatang Pauh seat fell vacant after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is serving a five-year jail sentence for sodomy, was disqualified as a Member of Parliament on March 16 when a petition for a royal pardon by Anwar's family over his conviction for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan was rejected by the Pardons Board.

READ ALSO: Royal pardon rejected, Anwar disqualified as MP


The Election Commission fixed nomination day for the Permatang Pauh by-election on April 25, and polling on May 7.