BANGI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed his decision to abstain from participating in the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign.
Speaking to reporters in Bangi after Friday prayers, he straightforwardly said, "No," when asked if he would be involved in campaigning for the unity government candidate.
"No, no, no (I will not join the campaigning)," he said.
The prime minister and Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, however, did not specify details regarding the decision.
This marks the second instance where Anwar has opted out of a by-election campaign, the first being in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Meanwhile, the unity government has nominated Dr Joohari Ariffin, a former educator and local figure, for the by-election.
Co-chair of the unity government election machinery steering committee Rafizi Ramli said the decision to field Joohari, a former educator, received blessings from all in the unity government.
Joohari, 60, is a local, having schooled at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bakap and Sekolah Menengah Penang Free.
He has worked closely with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who is the Nibong Tebal member of parliament, on her party and parliamentary responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has fixed July 6 for the Sungai Bakap by-election following the death of its assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
On June 3, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who heads the Penang unity pact, said they had agreed to field a candidate from PKR to contest the Sungai Bakap by-election.
He said the decision was unanimously agreed by all parties in the unity pact.