At this moment, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must take initiative actions instead of waiting for his doom. The sodomy charge has come nearer while the 16 Sept prophecy has gone far.

His political life is gradually going down the drain from the peak of 8 March general elections. Despite his morale remains strong, but the objective situation and various pressures have pushed him into a critical situation.

By now, he does not have much choices. Among the available choices, a by-election can play a certain role. It qualifies him to be a MP and become the opposition leader, giving him a more comprehensive political status. This can help in his future political struggle.

Meanwhile, he can as well enhance his popularity and inspire PKR's morale through the by-election.

If he has to face a lawsuit, he would rather face it while he has the most dignified position and the best popularity. Therefore, any result could help him enhance the image of a “suffering hero” and bring the BN government a greater harm.

Thus, he chose a by-election. And since he has made a decision, he must carefully plan it. Permatang Pauh is the safest choice.

Like a return of a weather-beaten man who have been travelling far away from home, he is asking for support to comfort his soul and to heal his wound.

Forget about Kulim, Bandar Tun Razak, Lembah Pantai or Kelana Jaya as these constituencies are risky, particularly for a by-election. His ultimate goal is victory after all.

Folks in Permatang Pauh will not refuse him at this moment. Perhaps they are more looking forward to sending him into the Parliament. Perhaps, Permatang Pauh will be the birth place of a prime minister.

There will be no winning or losing in the by-election, but only the comparison of majority votes. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has won over 13000 votes and we will see how the figures change this time.

Unfortunately, Dr Wan Azizah has to step aside to provide a platform for him. Perhaps she thinks her short-term task has been completed and she is perfectly happy to make the move.

This platform is Anwar's starting point, as well as the beginning of his counterattack against Umno. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)