"It's Papa Gomo who wanted to contest, not me," says Wan Muhammad Azri

Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, the individual identified as Papa Gomo has denied that he will be contesting against PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the 13th General Election.

The man, when contacted by Astro Awani has also once again denied having any links with the controversial blogger.

“It’s Papa Gomo who wanted to contest (against Anwar Ibrahim). No, no... that one you have to ask Rafi (Rafi Awang Kechik),” said Wan Muhammad.

Rafi, who is the President of Nadi Rakyat Malaysia, however confirmed Wan Muhammad’s participation in GE-13 when contacted later by Astro Awani.

Rafi through a press conference Monday had also made an announcement on Wan Muhammad’s nomination as an independent candidate who will contest in Permatang Pauh or any seat contested by Anwar Ibrahim.

He informed that Nadi Rakyat Malaysia’s machinery will also help Wan Muhammad throughout his campaign.

Meanwhile, 'Papa Gomo' in a press release confirmed he had acquired a nomination form from the Election Commission (EC) to enable him to compete.

“I hereby announce that I will be competing in this election against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Permatang Pauh to show him that I am very serious in asking him to withdraw from the country’s political arena,” he said in the statement.

He said the reason for his participation is to ‘state the truth’ and that he is not a liar.

He also said that the election is the best field for him to make more exposures (on Anwar) even he knows that it’s a sure defeat.

On March 21, Anwar filed a suit claiming damages amounting to RM100 million against Wan Muhammad Azri who he claimed to Papa Gomo for publishing defamatory words in www.papagomo.com blog on 16, 17, 19 and 20 March.

In addition to general, aggravated and exemplary damages, interests, costs, and other relief deemed fit by the court, Anwar also applied for an injunction to restrain the defendants continue to publish defamatory words and the image.