Anwar said anyone was free to contest in elections because Malaysia practised democracy.

“That is his right (to contest), I do not want to say much. Under the democratic system, it is the people who decide.

“His problems are known by all. The people can be the judge,” he said after attending a special screening of a Tamil film, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, here tonight.

Anwar was asked to comment on Isa’s announcement earlier today that he would be standing as an independent candidate in the by-election.

Anwar, Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the by-election, also declined to comment on talk that former Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and former senator Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor would also be joining the fray.

Also present at the screening was Danyal Balagopal Abdullah, who vacated the seat to facilitate Anwar’s return to Parliament.

Nomination for the by-election is on Saturday and polling is on Oct 13.