KUALA LUMPUR: Umno blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, who blogs as Papagomo, will contest as an independent candidate against PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim in Permatang Pauh constituency.
Wan Muhammad Azri also promised to expose more alleged sex videos of Anwar during the campaigning period.
NGO Nadi Rakyat Malaysia president Mohd Rafi Awang Kechik, who represented Wan Muhammad Azri at a press conference today, read out a text message of Wan Muhammad Azri which declared his intention to stand in the election.
Wan Muhammad Azri said he decided to contest because the opposition leader has refused to step down despite repeated call from “all quarters” including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whom the blogger warmly referred to as his source of inspiration.
“Though my defeat is almost certain, at least it will provide an opportunity for Permatang Pauh electorate to better know who Anwar Ibrahim is,” he said.
Mohd Rafi said Wan Muhammad Azri was absent today because he “was not ready” to appear in public just yet.
“He will show up on nomination day, and after that he will start campaigning in the constituency using my NGO machinery” he said.
Wan Muhamad Azri had previously produced a series of lewd photos and videos depicting a man resembling Anwar in various sexual acts.
Anwar always maintained that he is not the man in the photos and videos, and has recently filed a suit against the blogger in court.
PKR at a press conference recently accused the blogger of being a phantom voter and a former policeman convicted for bribery offences.
Showing true colours
Mohd Rafi said Wan Muhammad Azri would be releasing many videos which “may be recorded” in Johor or Penang.
“Anwar has been cheating the orang kampung; now election is a suitable platform to show the people his true colours,” he said.
When asked whether Wan Muhammad Azri’s candidacy will spoil BN’s votes in Anwar’s favour, Mohd Rafi said they would have their strategy.
“But what is more important is to expose Anwar’s true character,” he said.
Mohd Rafi also disagreed that Wan Muhammad Azri’s bribery convictions would tarnish his image as a candidate.
“Anwar has been jailed for six years, what is the difference? Papa Gomo was only jailed for two weeks,” he said.
