While Umno has always contested in the parliamentary constituency, PAS has also indicated its interest to stand in Permatang Pauh in the 14th general election (GE14).
However, observers and voters in the constituency believe that PKR will have no problem retaining the seat for Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“I think that when it comes down to it, those who voted for the opposition last time round will do so again, despite their misgivings.
“PKR supporters will probably still vote accordingly, despite the (Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) factor,” Singapore daily The Straits Times quoted Rashaad Ali, an analyst with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, as saying.
Rashaad’s belief was shared by retired military man Yusuf Hassan, 61, who had been a Barisan Nasional (BN) supporter for 27 years but plans to switch to the opposition because he believes the Anwar-Mahathir union is “an excellent combination for Malaysia”.
“Mahathir and Anwar are world-class and will help to heal our economy,” he said.
Yusuf is not the only one placing his faith in the PH pact.
The Straits Time quoted local resident Mohd Rizal Che Meh, 40, as saying: “Umno can give me satay and (Prime Minister) Najib (Razak) can give me chicken, money, but I don’t want. I will eat the opposition’s humble roti canai because it comes from their heart.”
This loyalty to PKR is not surprising as the seat has been held by Anwar or his wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is the current incumbent, since 1982.
Unlike bustling Penang island, Permatang Pauh comprises scattered villages and pockets of rice fields. The residents are a mix of workers in nearby industrial areas in Perai, small traders, farmers and civil servants.
Najib visited the place last August to persuade voters to change their direction.
“It has been a long time since Permatang Pauh has seen changes. Time has stood still here.
“The MP here does not know her role. You don’t see her face,” he said, referring to Wan Azizah.
PAS is also hoping to make a dent in Permatang Pauh as the parliamentary constituency consists of three state seats – two held by PKR, and one, Permatang Pasir, by PAS.
During a visit to Permatang Pauh last month, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said at a political rally that the seat was won by its candidate in 1979 until his defeat by Anwar, then an Umno politician, in 1982.
“I want to declare that this is PAS’ constituency. We won it in 1979 and we want it back,” he had said.
But if the views of the many Permatang Pauh residents whom The Straits Times spoke to are any indication, Umno and PAS have an uphill battle ahead.
“I really sympathise with Anwar because he has been maligned too much and I appreciate Wan Azizah fighting for his justice all this while,” said building contractor Mohd Sarizal Adnan, 45.
Driver Shabari Ibrahim, 46, meanwhile, said: “There is nothing much here. It is Anwar who made Permatang Pauh famous. He may have spent years in prison, but the young people know of him and his reformasi cause from their parents.”
PAS, however, is banking on people like hawker Norma Ibrahim, 40, who said she would vote for the Islamist party after years of voting for the opposition.
“I don’t know if Dr Mahathir’s motive is to remove PM Najib or really to win power for himself. I feel sorry for Anwar if he gets ditched again because he is Dr Mahathir’s backbone,” she told The Straits Times.
“So, I will just vote for PAS because it is clear that it supports Muslims and Malays.”
Anwar is serving his second sodomy sentence and is expected to be released on June 8. He will not be able to stand as a candidate for five years after his release unless he gets a royal pardon.