THE rights of Malays and special position of Islam are guaranteed at both the federal and state levels, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president gave an assurance to Malay-Muslims in Rantau that Pakatan Harapan will not compromise on this, despite fielding Dr S. Streram in the state seat’s by-election.

“The Negri Sembilan menteri besar is Muslim, our prime minister is Muslim. Malay rights and Islam’s position are guaranteed in the state and country,” he said at PKR’s 20th-anniversary celebrations at Dataran Rantau last night.

PH has picked Dr Streram for the April 13 contest despite the constituency comprising 55% Malay voters.

He is in a four-way fight, which includes acting Umno president and former menteri besar Mohamad Hasan.

“There are quarters who feel that in order to take on the Umno president, PH should have fielded a Malay,” Anwar told a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters. 

“But after long discussions, we decided… to keep our promise as a party.”

Dr Streram, an anaesthetist, was denied his right to contest Rantau in the 14th general election, and PH is giving him another shot at the seat, said Anwar.

“We cannot break Indians’ trust. That’s why we are fielding an Indian, Dr Streram, in Rantau.”

He said all races must be fairly represented in the government.

“Islam emphasises on finding a solution based on justice, not skin colour… we, as a party of principles and idealism, must defend such principles.”

Besides Dr Streram and Mohamad, the two others vying for the Rantau seat are independents R. Malarvizhi and Mohd Nor Yassin.

The polls were called after the Federal Court rejected a petition by Mohamad to set aside the election court’s decision declaring his GE14 victory null and void.

The Barisan Nasional man had won uncontested after Dr Streram was barred from filing his nomination because he did not have an Election Commission pass. – April 5, 2019.