“I respect Patriot’s views,” he said, referring to the National Patriots Association which had raised the concerns.

“I will meet them and assure them that the issues they raise will be fought for,” he said at a press conference today where he was officially announced as a candidate for the by-election.

The incoming PKR president said he had raised the issue of the 1MDB scandal and the Sungai Besi land back in 2011.

“I voiced my disappointment then because former prime minister Najib Razak had marginalised the veterans, especially the navy.

“We are consistent. The rights of the veterans and servicemen must be defended. Many MPs and senators will stand up and speak up for them.”

Danyal, a former navy officer, had vacated his seat to pave the way for Anwar to attempt a parliamentary comeback and later transition to becoming the nation’s eighth prime minister.

The move was criticised by Patriot, with its president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji saying Danyal had betrayed his voters and was merely “a piece in the chessboard used in the game of politics to suit his party’s convenience”.

Arshad also said it was “ridiculous” for Danyal to have won the seat in a hard fought battle only to give it up.

“Issues pertaining to the military and welfare of the veterans and retired police need to be articulated both in Parliament and outside whenever the need arises. This has to be continuously done during the five-year term.

“With Danyal out, a voice for the serving personnel and veterans in and outside the house is lost,” he said.

The Port Dickson by-election will be held on Oct 13, with nomination day on Sept 29 and early voting on Oct 9.

Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Negeri Sembilan election machinery had already held its meeting on the by-election.

“Anwar’s campaigning schedule in Port Dickson is being drafted now, and will be finalised any time.

“The election machinery will be led by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun,” he said.