And The Truth Is Permatang Pauh

In my last blog entitled "And The Truth Is?" I pointed out the political gamemanship of Anwar Ibrahim. He spoke to the rakyat in two places, in this case Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and Kulim Bandar Baharu, Kedah, and on both occassion said that he would be the candidate to contest the parliamentary seats. Now the de facto opposition leader says he would contest in Permatang Pauh, his old seat which he vacated in 1998. The caretaker of the seat for the last ten years, his wife Wan Azizah is now going back to being a housewife. Very odd timing for him to announce this! Is he playing a political game with the pending sodomy allegation against him? Expectations are that he would be charged anytime now. So if he announces that he would contest a seat and the police subsequently arrest him then, the opposition leader would say:" They are charging me because, they are scared of my return to Parliament." Mark my words, this would happen if the police find a strong case against Anwar and decide to charge him in court. Lets have your say on this...

And The Truth Is?

I have been reading some news reports, which had been put up on the internet and came across this puzzle. Read, what has been said by the opposition leaders.The first one is Anwar Ibrahim and the second two PAS leaders. The statements were public statements and were carried in news reports. Just in case some of you are wondering if I am making this up. Check Malaysiakini and Bernama. Solve the puzzle!

EPISODE ONE

July 26

Anwar Ibrahim warmed up to the Bandar Tun Razak (Kuala Lumpur) electorate tonight as part of his by-election 'campaign' in a constituency which he claims to be eyeing as a ticket to Parliament. In a hastily arranged ceramah, the charismatic leader spoke to the nearly 2,000 strong multiracial crowd which braved the drizzle throughout the 75-minute speech at a surau compound in Taman Len Sen. Despite the wide range of topics, his main agenda of the night was to signal his intention to contest in the area and test the waters. Needless to say, the crowd gave Anwar the verbal approval when he asked if he could contest the seat which is currently held by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR comrade Khalid Ibrahim.
"I want to say that maybe, I might contest here," said Anwar to loud roars of approval.

July 27

Opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim said today that he aims to return to parliament for the first time in a decade later this year if a court orders a by-election near his home town.
The high court in Kedah will hear a challenge on Aug 19 asking it to invalidate the result in a seat that was won by his PKR in March 8 general elections.
Anwar told AFP (it was picked up by Malaysiakini) that if the court declares the result null and void he will contest the ensuing by-election.
"My plan is to contest in the Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat. I am optimistic of victory," he said.
"The constituency neighbours my hometown of Permatang Pauh in Penang. I am familiar with the locals there."

Now my question is how can Anwar twist and turn at his whims and fancies play to the gallery without anyone asking question. Well PKR supporters, you tell me? Within not even 24-hours he first says he is thinking of Bandar Tun Razak, then after a night's sleep its Bandar Baru Kulim.

EPISODE 2

This is even better. All in one day!

Yesterday, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat suggested that UMNO and PAS be dissolved and a new party formed to unite all Malays.
"Such a revelation is startling and has serious ramifications, implications and consequences. Nik Aziz's statement reduces to naught Datuk Seri Hadi Awang's statement in Ipoh, also yesterday, that PAS would not merge with Umno or join Barisan Nasional.
"Obviously, statements made by PAS leaders of late, give the perception that they are out to scuttle the Pakatan Rakyat."

The quotes are not mine, but none other than DAP national chairman Karpal Singh. Go figure!