AS speculation mounts over which parliamentary seat will be vacated for incoming PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, army veterans have expressed unease that it could be the Port Dickson constitution, whose MP is First Admiral (rtd) Danyal Balagopal Abdullah.

National Patriots Association (Patriot) feels strongly that Danyal should keep the seat to articulate issues pertaining to the military and the often overlooked welfare of veterans.

Patriot president Brigadier-General (rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said the veterans had been buoyed by the victory of Danyal standing on a PKR ticket against BN and PAS in GE14.

“Danyal beat his rivals from Barisan Nasional and PAS with a majority of 17,710 votes, a sizeable majority given the limited time he had to contest the election,” said Arshad in a statement.

But reports have indicated that Danyal would be asked to vacate his seat to allow Anwar to contest and win a place in Parliament. Anwar must return to Parliament before he can succeed Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister in two years.

PKR is expected to announce this afternoon which seat would be vacated for Anwar. 

Arshad said asking Danyal to give up his seat might cause a backlash among the veterans and those still serving in the Port Dickson constituency.

He said it was the veterans’ hope that Danyal would fill the void left by the former Lumut MP First Admiral (rtd) Mohd Imran Abdul Hamid, who is also from PKR, for their representation in Parliament.

He said if the news reports on Danyal being asked to vacate his seat were true, it would show PKR’s disregard for the veterans.

“It would show that the PKR leadership does not seem to appreciate the presence of a senior retired armed forces officer as a member of parliament,” said Arshad. 

“It is also likely to have a negative impact on future armed forces candidates in elections when senior officers are not given their due regard.”

He warned that there could be protest votes against Anwar if he should eventually decide to contest in Port Dickson.

“The PKR leadership must understand that the presence of armed forces veterans in parliament is being supported by thousands of veterans and they are seen to be their representatives, and a voice that they could rely upon on matters affecting veterans. 

“The people are feeling election-stressed after GE14 and three by-elections.

“If another by-election is really necessary, Patriot urges the PKR leadership (to let) the Port Dickson parliamentary seat remain with the incumbent, and that Anwar contests elsewhere.” – September 12, 2018.