The three by-elections are being closely watched not only because of the heightened political scenario but also due to some “firsts” they created.
It was the first time three by-elections will be held in the country on the same day and the first time 15 candidates will fight for a seat.
Also, for the first time, a former mentri besar, who is still an assemblyman, is contesting a parliamentary seat in a by-election.
All in all, 20 candidates are contesting.
The Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah has a record number of 15 candidates -- the highest ever in the country’s election history.
Barisan, under the fresh leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak which promises change under the 1Malaysia concept, has put a lot of pressure on its opponents, with even former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has just rejoined Umno, on the campaign trail.
The Opposition meanwhile believes that Malaysian voters are still supporting PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Voting starts at 8am and ends at 5pm. The results are expected in between 9pm and 11pm.
Bukit Gantang (P59)
The Bukit Gantang parliamentary by-election will see a three-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional’s Ismail Saffian, 49, former Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, 52, of PAS and independent Kamarul Ramizu Idris, 42.Malays make up 63.5% of the 55,562 voters in Bukit Gantang, followed by Chinese (27.1% ), Indians (9.1%) and others (0.2%).
Bukit Selambau (N25):
Some 13 independent candidates are up against Barisan Nasional’s S. Ganesan and PKR’s S. Manikumar.There are 35,140 voters registered in Bukit Selambau.
The Batang Ai constituency, located near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, fell vacant following the death of assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unting on Feb 24. It has 8,006 registered voters, about 95% of whom are Ibans. - The star
Batang Ai (N29)
The Batang Ai by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional newcomer Malcom Mussem Lamoh, 49, who will face former five-term Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang, 55, in this rural, predominantly Iban constituency.
Live coverage by the Star click here and Malaysiakini (for subscribers only) here.
1 comment:
The rakyat has spoken. Pakatan won Bt Gantang in protest against what they consider as power grab by BN of their state.
The Malay votes were split and the Chinese gave their full suppor to Nizar.
Muhyiddin said BN must make a study of the results.
Is those a slap on Najib's face, especially the rejection of Bt Gantang by the voters despite BN bringing its heavyweights to lend support?
This is something... BN must learn. But do they ever...learn?
Post a Comment