Thursday July 31, 2008 MYT 5:10:27 PM

Anwar not worried about possible arrest

By ROYCE CHEAH

(The Star) PETALING JAYA: PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not worried at all about the possibility of being arrested or charged in the run-up to the impending Permatang Pauh by-election.

Anwar said the Government had gone on a one-month fishing expedition and had not caught anything.

"They have not caught any fish and they can catch whatever coconut plant they may consider is fish," he said.

Anwar however added that he did not want to anticipate anything like that and reiterated that it would not affect PKR's plan.

When asked if he was afraid of being arrested following rumours that his arrest was imminent, Anwar said he could not comment on rumours.

"But I am being monitored very closely. During my recent trip to Pahang there were seven Special Branch cars following me. They spend money on this when they should be taking care of the crime rate," he said.

Anwar added that as far as he was concerned, the Opposition is still on track for the September 16 deadline.

"The Election Commission has to call for a by-election with 60 days of being notified by the Parliament Speaker."

Anwar, who was in a jovial mood, also commented about the journalists covering the event not being surprised at all about the announcement.

When pointed out that the Permatang Pauh seat looked very safe, Anwar said he felt that most seats were safe for him.

"To be honest, many offers were made including the Bandar Tun Razak and Gombak seats. But after a lot of discussions, we felt that Permatang Pauh would be the best. It is my original seat."

Anwar also said it was entirely up to Umno to decide whether his former protégé, Mohd Ezam Noor, would be his opponent in the by-election.

He said he was indebted to his wife and supporters for holding the fort while he was incarcerated.

"This decision was not an easy one and was discussed with all Pakatan Raykat and party leaders. They have offered me their full support during the by-election."

Anwar said he hoped that the Election Commission would conduct the by-election professionally and that he looked forward to participating in Parliament.