Rivalry Simmers Among Harapan Bn Supporters In Penang Hari Raya Do

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Festive Hari Raya songs and the smell of food served from over 40 stalls, supported by various Penang state agencies, could not mask the years of bitter rivalry between Pakatan Harapan and BN in Penang and at the federal level.
“Oh dia, I don’t want to take his photo,” said a voice among thousands gathered outside the great hall at UiTM’s Permatang Pauh campus, Penang.
With phones in the air, the crowd was hoping to catch a glimpse of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who arrived around noon for the second of six Madani open houses.
Anwar (above, left) and Zahid (above), together with DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, visited the stalls set up around the great hall and mingled with supporters who arrived as early as 11am.
Even after five months in federal power, PKR’s “Reformasi!” battle cry for change was heard trailing Anwar’s heavily guarded path.
Smaller groups of Harapan and BN supporters, some in their party colours, were identified among the estimated attendance of over 15,000 visitors today.
‘We all have reservations’
A PKR supporter since 1998, Aisyah Ahmad, now in her 60s, said she had risen through the ranks from an ordinary member in Permatang Pauh - Anwar's home turf - to now being a state Women's Wing committee member involved in preparations for the previous general election and upcoming state election.
Given her years with the party, Aisyah admitted she still harboured reservations about Umno but ultimately respected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision and Anwar’s move to form a government with them.
“Of course, we had fought with Umno in the past to the point where we don’t even want to see their shadows.
“The ladies in red scarves, like those seating in front of us (now), I used to hate them,” she said.
“Although now they say they want to unite, we can’t really know what is in their hearts. Maybe they feel the same way we do.
“They have some feelings against us, we have some feelings against them. But we all abide by the prime minister and Agong,” said Aisyah.
At close to 1pm, Anwar accompanied Penang governor Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and wife Khadijah Mohd Noor into the hall where more guests are seated.
Also seated at the main table was Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who, in his welcoming address, thanked Anwar and the government for selecting Penang to host the Madani Hari Raya open house.
Others from BN in attendance include former higher education minister Noraini Ahmad and Mara chairperson Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
The Madani open house today is supported by all state government agencies, unlike the first held in Perikatan Nasional-led Kedah last weekend. - Mkini

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