Monday, July 28, 2008

Anwar likely to stand in Kedah, KULIM?

07-28 18:54)

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim will probably contest a parliamentary seat in the northern state of Kedah, his first attempt to run for public office since being freed from prison in 2004.

In a late-night speech on Sunday, Anwar, 60, said he will probably contest the Kulim Bandar Baharu seat in the state that's home to former premier Mahathir Mohamad. Ginie Lim, a spokeswoman for his party, confirmed his comments.

A victory would allow Anwar to re-enter Parliament, a decade after he was fired from government, as he seeks to encourage lawmakers to switch to his opposition alliance. Anwar needs a legislator from his own party to step down and trigger a by- election to contest a seat, following the March 8 general elections.

BLOOMBERG