Tuesday April 9, 2013

GE13: Papa Gomo to take on Anwar as an independent

KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial blogger Papa Gomo will be taking on Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in the general election, said his representative Mohamad Rafi Awang Kechik.

Mohamad Rafi, who is also Nadi Rakyat Malaysia president, said Papa Gomo whose real name is said to be Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris would contest as an independent.

Papa Gomo, who gained notoriety after releasing alleged sex videos involving politicians, plans to expose more purported wrongdoings, especially of Anwar.

“The Opposition leader has refused to step down despite repeated calls from various quarters including former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I want to expose his wrongdoings to his constituents and put an end to his political career,” said Mohamad Rafi, who spoke on behalf of Papa Gomo at the Federal Territories Election Commission headquarters here, yesterday.

Anwar, on Friday, had confirmed that he will remain in Permatang Pauh. He has also filed a defamation suit against Papa Gomo over a recent sex video allegedly implicating him last month.

Although acknowledging that Papa Gomo was unlikely to win, Mohamad Rafi said the aim was to educate the electorate about Anwar.

“We want to tell the rakyat that pro-Umno bloggers do not hide their identities behind pseudonyms.

“We are prepared to contest against Anwar and we will follow him anywhere if he changes his mind at the last minute,” he said.

Mohd Rafi added that Papa Gomo was absent as he was not ready to reveal his identity yet.

“He will show up on Nomination Day, and campaign in the constituency,” he said.

When asked if the blogger's decision to contest in Permatang Pauh will split the votes for Barisan Nasional, Mohamad Rafi said: “Both of us have our own strategies.”

For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site

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