Anwar will not be given an easy run, that is for sure. Although many said that Permatang Pauh is in Pakatan ruled states, and Anwar has a very huge advantage. I disagree, simply because the playing field is hardly even. Media for instance, is still very much under tight control. Even the usually freer Chinese newspapers are not independent and often sided with MCA-BN ruling clique. The recent issue involving a photographer and PKR security personnel will be highlighted daily in the weeks to come, thus painting a bad light on Anwar campaign. While I am not condoning such violence act and in fact I think that security personnel should be reprimanded an even be sacked, the press must be responsible in their reporting.
If we can think rationally, let say the TV station/press are independent and will give interviews, allowing Anwar campaign advertisements and open debate between candidates on policies, then there is no need for ceramah to be held, there is no need for those hassle and friction would definitely be reduced. But no, this thing would not happen, so there will be more ceramah, more friction to come and more news to be used by mainstream media to attack opposition campaign.
So when Najib said BN will not give Anwar a free ride, it's about how to use negative campaign against Anwar, not that they are suddenly more democratic as to present a choice to Permatang voters. BN will not debate Anwar on policies, there will be no independent reporting by mainstream media just yet, there will be wave of money pouring in Permatang Pauh, there will be tons of negative news attacking Anwar's personality and, characters assassination will be a norm during the campaign period. This is to be expected and indeed Anwar will not be given an easy run. But it would even be wrong to think that it's going to be an easy win for Anwar, on the contrary it's going to be a tough battle for him.
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