ANWAR Ibrahim promised to develop Port Dickson, alluding to investment from Singapore, in the first full day of campaigning for the seaside parliamentary seat today.

In his engagement with the local Chinese community in Bukit Pelanduk, Anwar spoke about how several Singapore firms had pledged to help spur the local economy in Port Dickson.

“There was a conference in Singapore. They said they will help to develop Port Dickson. I have not become MP yet, but they already are lining up projects for Port Dickson.

“This country is rich, but the people are living in difficulty. I want this country to climb to number one in terms of economy,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

The incoming PKR president also pledged to bring in the good times to the Bukit Pelanduk area in Port Dickson.

He said he could have picked any place in Malaysia, but elected to stand in the constituency, which is famous for its beaches.

“I chose Port Dickson for a reason. I picked Port Dickson because I want to bring this place up. I will develop this place and create jobs,” Anwar told a gathering from the community at a local temple today.

Bukit Pelanduk was known for pig farming, but it collapsed after the Nipah virus outbreak in 1998, which claimed 108 lives and left those in the industry jobless.

The farmers in this area moved on to different industries, but lack of job opportunities have forced younger voters to move out.

Anwar said that he understood the locals’ troubles as he also came from a difficult background before making it as far as being the deputy prime minister at one time.   

Former pig farmer Hee said he believed Anwar would have a plan to improve the economy and bring younger voters back to Port Dickson.   

“Anwar is now with the government. He will develop this area. We are confident. Anwar has a game plan,” he told The Malaysian Insight when met.

Another resident, who only wanted to be known as Lee, said that Anwar was a moderate who was suitable to lead and become prime minister, unlike the former Barisan Nasional government.  

“BN was very Islamic. Anwar is better. He is moderate.

“We pray for it. We love the idea of him becoming PM. Who doesn’t want a PM from this area?” he asked.

Former army officer Wong Tak Eng said even the veterans were stumping for Anwar, as he can bring growth to Port Dickson.

“Anwar has been tested, and now he wants to bring a change. He has suffered for 20 years; he wants to do something for the people now. He has regrets,” he said.

The military man who served for 22 years said he did not mind that former Port Dickson MP veteran Danyal Balagopal Abdullah gave his seat to Anwar.

“He is a sport, Danyal. He gave way to Anwar for the greater good,” Wong said.

As for Anwar’s competitors, Wong said they would lose, especially former Negri Sembilan menteri besar Isa Samad, who was embroiled in multiple scandals, including the Felda issue.

Isa’s tenure as Felda chairman from 2011 to last year was tainted by scandals, which included shady land deals and hotel purchases.

Isa was investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police over his alleged involvement.

In August last year, he was detained by MACC for five days.

Anwar is going up against Isa, retired air force officer Mohd Nazari Mokhtar of PAS, and four independents, including Anwar’s former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. – September 30, 2018.