Hudud a major concern among Chinese voters in Permatang Pauh

Objection raised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat and DAP against PAS' attempt to use the hudud issue while campaigning in the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary by-election may force a veteran voter to stay away from voting.

"I still have not decided on which candidate to vote but most probably I will not come out to vote," Ong Chin Chye, 55, an incense and prayer goods trader in Kampung Sungai Semambu, Kubang Semang, told Bernama.

He was worried about PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's decision to push for the Hudud in Kelantan as well as in Dewan Rakyat because if implemented, it would impact the daily lives of his family and the Chinese community in general.

Ong said what transpired in Kelantan would surely take place in Penang as it was also a state under the administration of the opposition.

Another voter, Boo Hang Hooi, 57, said he still did not understand the hudud law and was worried that its implementation would impact negatively on Taoists, here and in the country.

Boo, who is also Kampung Bukit Merah Chinese Temple Association secretary, said he preferred not to come out to vote following the development.

There are 16,472 Chinese voters in Permatang Pauh which constitute 23 per cent of the total 71,890 voters.

The Permatang Pauh by-election, set for May 7, would see a four-cornered fight among Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR candidate), Suhaimi Sabudin (Barisan Nasional), Salleh Isahak (Independent) and Azman Shah Othman (Parti Rakyat Malaysia).

The by-election would be held following the decision of the Pardon Board to reject a royal pardon petition sought by Anwar via his family members which subsequently disqualified the PKR de facto leader as an elected representative.