PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s avoidance of his former party deputy Azmin Ali’s challenge for a face-off in Gombak is reflective of the opposition leader’s fear of being rejected by Malay voters, said Penang Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Mansor Othman.

The incumbent Nibong Tebal MP said that Anwar, who had made clear his intentions to “teach PKR traitors” by contesting in any one of their parliamentary seats for the 15th general election (GE15) changed his tune following Azmin’s challenge.