Sleepless In Permatang Pauh

Malaysia's current hotspot is Permatang Pauh, where "Desperately Seeking PMship" Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is contesting in a by-election in two weeks time. Which lamb BN is sending to the slaughterhouse, I don't know.

While not quite a tourist attraction - I don't think there is anything much to see in Permatang Pauh unless you want to stand outside Anwar's fence and gawk at his house - politicians, party workers and supporters and the odd kaki pukui (troublemakers) have begun to descend upon the small township.

My children Naj and Ann, both journalists for an English daily, have been assigned by their boss to cover the run-up to the by-election. They left for Permatang Pauh last night, together with a photographer, and will be stationed there for two weeks.

It would be the first time the siblings are on the same outstation assignment. That they would be living in each other's pockets for 14 long days would be interesting to watch because Ann is a neat freak while clutter is second nature to Naj.

According to Naj, there is hardly any room available in Permatang Pauh and the vicinity, that they have to stay in Kulim. In the coming days, more press members would arrive to add to the general excitement and building momentum.

The last time Naj was away for a long period was to cover the aftermath of the devastating Asian tsunami that obliterated much of Acheh in December 2004. He was away in Acheh for almost a month, living in fear of daily aftershocks while reporting on the devastation the tsunami had inflicted on northern Sumatra.

I am just hoping all goes well in Permatang Pauh because anything could happen when emotions and sentiments run high. I am keeping my hands together in prayer for a peaceful election process, and for my kids' safe return.