All abuzz over Anwar at Port Dickson market
PORT DICKSON: The normally-bustling Pasar Besar Port Dickson here turned boisterous when PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dropped by as part of his walkabout yesterday.
It was a pleasant surprise to many business operators and customers who were eager to rub shoulders with the Pakatan Harapan Port Dickson by-election candidate.
Accompanied by his daughter, Nurul Ilham, Anwar appeared energetic and keen to meet with locals at the market.
His charisma as an experienced political figure appeared very much intact, even though he spent more than two decades away from the political limelight.
“What are you cooking today?” he was heard asking a customer who was busy selecting fresh fish from a counter.
The distracted 50-year-old woman turned her head to answer and was shocked to see Anwar standing right next to her.
The lady was momentarily speechless, but didn’t let the opportunity to take a picture with the heavyweight political figure go to waste.
As Anwar continued his walkabout, business operators and customers started cheering for him, and the 70-year-old politician waved back.
He took time to shake hands with as many people as he could, including fishmonger Ikeram Pitt.
The 61-year-old Port Dickson native was moved to tears after Anwar left his stall.
“I was deeply moved to see him for the first time.
“Not only that, I got to talk and shake hands with him. It was truly an experience that I never expected,” he said.
Ikeram said he was confident that Anwar could bring more development to Port Dickson.
Vegetable seller Gan E Seng, 70, said he hoped Anwar would win the by-election, which is on Oct 13.
“I am confident that he can improve the quality of life here and bring prosperity to Port Dickson,” he said.
Anwar had his breakfast at the market before making his way to nearby restaurants as part of his tour.
Everyone at the restaurants was surprised to see him, including B. Segeran, 63, who last met Anwar in Port Dickson 10 years ago.
“It's good to see him back in the political arena. He has been away for too long. He is still the handsome guy I met a decade ago.
“I wish nothing but the best for him and I am confident Port Dickson will be more successful under his leadership.”