Malaysia's former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim Friday kicked off campaigning for a crucial by-election seen as a litmus test of popularity for him as well the country's ruling coalition.
Followed by police cars as he made his way through the rural constituency of Ijok in western Selangor state, Anwar visited a local mosque for Friday prayers before touring several villages in the area. "The reception has been very good," a confident Anwar told AFP on the campaign trail, where he was warmly welcomed into homes. "We are encouraged by the friendliness of the people here," he said, after sharing a meal with residents at a village.
The April 28 state by-election is expected to see a fierce fight between the ruling National Front coalition and the opposition People's Justice Party or Parti Keadilan Rakyat, which Anwar advises. There was a visible police presence throughout Ijok on Friday, following scuffles between rival supporters as candidates were nominated the previous day.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak has said the poll would be a test of the National Front or Barisan Nasional's (BN) popularity as the country gears up for a general election. The BN's largest parties include the dominant United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), which is fielding the Ijok candidate.
"This by-election is a big test for UMNO headquarters and Selangor UMNO, although the candidate K. Parthiban is from the MIC," Najib was quoted as saying late Thursday by the state Bernama news agency. "It does not only involve the interest of the MIC, but the interest and image of UMNO as well," he said.