Anwar reels in biggest crowd with concert

Mohd Farhan Darwis Mohd Farhan Darwis Updated 7 years ago · Published on 7 Oct 2018 10:31AM · 2 Comments

Anwar Ibrahim addresses the people briefly at last night's concert in Port Dickson. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 7, 2018.

A CONCERT featuring some of the country’s popular and well-known artistes drew in the biggest crowd for Anwar’s Port Dickson by-election campaign.

Some 2,000 people packed the concert grounds last night to see their favourite performers and listen to Anwar’s pitch.

The concert was organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club in collaboration with the Association of Young Mothers in Port Dickson and the Madani Society of Social Welfare.

Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail watch from behind as singers entertain the crowd. The show was organised by the Anwar Ibrahim Club in collaboration with the Association of Young Mothers in Port Dickson and the Madani Society of Social Welfare. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 7, 2018.

In his brief address, Anwar introduced himself and said that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad would stump for him tomorrow.

“My name is Anwar Ibrahim. I offer myself to be a member of the Port Dickson family.

“Hopefully, you can all accept me.

“This Monday, and for the first time, the prime minister and I will speak from the same stage in Port Dickson,” Anwar told the crowd camped out in front of the stage.

His wife, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was also present.

Among the performers performing last night were the groups Gerhana Ska Cinta, Khalifah, and singers Hattan, M. Nasir, Awie, and Wani Hasrita, with each artiste limited to three songs.

Singer M. Nasir entertains the crowd. Other artistes at the event included Gerhana Ska Cinta, Khalifah, and Hattan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 7, 2018.

Khalifah’s vocalist, Awang Sulong Oyong, whose stage name is Yabang, told The Malaysian Insight that the group’s invitation to perform was at Anwar’s own request.

“Datuk Seri (Anwar Ibrahim) personally requested for us,” he said of the group whose hits include Hang Pi Mana and Assalamualaikum Ustazah.

Hattan, whose real name is Mohd Shukri Shahabuddin, described Anwar as an affable leader who he expects to win the by-election.

“Anwar is a warrior, very casual. I think he will win this by-election.

“The young people like him and he’s not extreme,” he said.

Locals fill the concert grounds to see their favourite performers and listen to Anwar Ibrahim’s pitch. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, October 7, 2018.

The free concert has however, been severely criticised by many, particularly by the independent candidates.

Anwar’s biggest hurdle in the by-election, which will be contested by seven candidates, is former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad who is contesting as an independent.

In politics for 40 years, 20 of them as menteri besar, Isa still retains some influence in the constituency, having been the assemblyman of Linggi and Bagan Pinang – the two state constituencies that make up the Port Dickson parliamentary seat.

The Islamist party PAS is fielding a retired air force officer, Mohd Nazari Mokhtar, as their candidate.

The other independent candidates are Lau Seck Yan, Stevie Chan, and Kan Chee Yuen, and Saiful Bukhari Azlan. – October 7, 2018.

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Comments

  • These types of hype using popular artiste and big budgets were the reason fair and free elections under the previous regime were a challenge. Taking the easy way out through fame, money, and popularity rather than the content of their message. It doesn't matter whether the right or wrong people do it, if you do it a little now what's to stop you from going further next time. But then again, just like the previous era, there are many sheep. Dis(concert)ing. Pun intended.

    Posted 7 years ago by Paren Leo · Reply

  • Sigh he shamelessly breaks election rules. I find it disappointingly hypocritical. Tun should not support this kind of campaigns

    Posted 7 years ago by Sharizal Shaarani · Reply