The October 13 by-election in Port Dickson will see a crowded field of seven candidates vying for the federal parliamentary seat in Negeri Sembilan state.

By all accounts, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) incoming president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a shoo-in for the contest.

At a rally on Sunday (Sept 30), Mr Anwar framed the by-election as an indication of his mandate to lead the country.

… Mr Rashaad Ali, a research analyst from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies added: “Perhaps PAS will gain more votes from (those) disillusioned with Pakatan Harapan since the general election (in May).”

“Protest votes against Anwar’s PD move might also manifest here,” he said, referring to how the by-election was triggered.