Sunday, April 25, 2010
KUALA KUBU BHARU: Barisan Nasional (BN) won the closely-fought Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat on Sunday, April 25, by a 1,725-vote majority, giving the coalition a psychological boost in its bid to recapture the Selangor state government.
The BN’s triumph in a mixed constituency will be seen as an endorsement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia concept and is expected to strengthen his approval ratings, muting the effects of the opposition’s steady attacks on his credibility and administrative policies.
The straight fight for the seat, which has 64,500 registered voters, saw BN’s P Kamalanathan polling 24,997 votes against PKR Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who mustered 23,272 votes. The results were announced by returning officer Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan at about 9.10pm. There were 731 spoilt votes and voter turnout stood at 75.87% or 48,935 voters.
The three state seats of Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hulu Bernam and Batang Kali under the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency are held by an MCA representative and two from Umno, putting it firmly under BN’s control. Kamalanathan’s victory has increased the number of MPs from the largest Indian-based party to four representatives.
The BN campaign had used the issue of Zaid’s alcohol consumption in his youth to score points with the Muslim majority voters, mounted a strong campaign for “more inclusive” politics and pledged continued development in the constituency, banking on its record of national development.
Aided by the top leaders of BN component parties who campaigned continuously for eight days, the coalition’s tested formula of stressing on welfare, stability, land allocation and promises to redevelop abandoned townships paid off. It has also appointed a federal representative to ensure that all its pledges in the by-election will be fulfilled.
Despite facing criticisms on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, allegations of corruption, controversial links with comunications consultancy Apco Worldwide and issues related to military procurement, BN remained unscathed. It managed to ride on its candidate’s “local boy” tag and his ability to mingle with the masses.
PKR’s strategy of fielding a high profile candidate could not swing enough votes at the final count. The party needs to take stock of its acceptability by voters as the by-election was held with the backdrop of defections from among its elected representatives and divisional leaders.
The fence-sitters seemed uninterested in the opposition’s line of attack, including its questioning of the authenticity of Kamalanathan’s communications degree, his perceived subservience to Umno and the query about his name in the electoral roll of the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.
Najib told a press conference that BN’s “hard-fought win” was meaningful because BN was able to recapture the seat in the PR-led state.
“With this win... we must fulfil not just the promises we made but the people’s expectations and hopes in all respects,” he said.
“With this victory, voters have rejected the way the opposition plays politics by spreading lies. Voters cannot accept it. They can judge what is true,” Najib said.
Asked about the Chinese votes, which went mostly to PKR, Najib said BN would analyse their strong support for PKR. He believed that there was some change in their support between the start of campaigning until April 25.
To another question, Najib said it was “too early” to tell if the Hulu Selangor victory was an endorsement of his reforms but he called it “a good beginning” for the ruling coalition.
“This means we are on the right track... They’re happy with the announcements, with the thinking and policy direction but now we must make sure we provide the results,” Najib said after the results were announced.
Kamalanathan said he was “touched” by his victory but said he would have to work harder to win over all voters and not just the Chinese votes that had gone to PKR.
“This victory is not mine, this victory belongs to the Barisan Nasional machinery,” Kamalanathan told a press conference. He said that he would soon move from Rawang to Hulu Selangor, as he promised during campaigning.
MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said an estimated 68% to 72% of Indian voters had returned to MIC and BN this time.
“We explain to them and show how important it is to be with BN to guarantee their future... We start with the new MIC that is closer to the rakyat,” Samy Vellu said, when asked about MIC’s chances in the next general election.
The BN’s triumph in a mixed constituency will be seen as an endorsement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia concept and is expected to strengthen his approval ratings, muting the effects of the opposition’s steady attacks on his credibility and administrative policies.
The straight fight for the seat, which has 64,500 registered voters, saw BN’s P Kamalanathan polling 24,997 votes against PKR Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who mustered 23,272 votes. The results were announced by returning officer Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan at about 9.10pm. There were 731 spoilt votes and voter turnout stood at 75.87% or 48,935 voters.
The three state seats of Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hulu Bernam and Batang Kali under the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency are held by an MCA representative and two from Umno, putting it firmly under BN’s control. Kamalanathan’s victory has increased the number of MPs from the largest Indian-based party to four representatives.
The BN campaign had used the issue of Zaid’s alcohol consumption in his youth to score points with the Muslim majority voters, mounted a strong campaign for “more inclusive” politics and pledged continued development in the constituency, banking on its record of national development.
Aided by the top leaders of BN component parties who campaigned continuously for eight days, the coalition’s tested formula of stressing on welfare, stability, land allocation and promises to redevelop abandoned townships paid off. It has also appointed a federal representative to ensure that all its pledges in the by-election will be fulfilled.
Despite facing criticisms on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, allegations of corruption, controversial links with comunications consultancy Apco Worldwide and issues related to military procurement, BN remained unscathed. It managed to ride on its candidate’s “local boy” tag and his ability to mingle with the masses.
PKR’s strategy of fielding a high profile candidate could not swing enough votes at the final count. The party needs to take stock of its acceptability by voters as the by-election was held with the backdrop of defections from among its elected representatives and divisional leaders.
The fence-sitters seemed uninterested in the opposition’s line of attack, including its questioning of the authenticity of Kamalanathan’s communications degree, his perceived subservience to Umno and the query about his name in the electoral roll of the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.
Najib told a press conference that BN’s “hard-fought win” was meaningful because BN was able to recapture the seat in the PR-led state.
“With this win... we must fulfil not just the promises we made but the people’s expectations and hopes in all respects,” he said.
“With this victory, voters have rejected the way the opposition plays politics by spreading lies. Voters cannot accept it. They can judge what is true,” Najib said.
Asked about the Chinese votes, which went mostly to PKR, Najib said BN would analyse their strong support for PKR. He believed that there was some change in their support between the start of campaigning until April 25.
To another question, Najib said it was “too early” to tell if the Hulu Selangor victory was an endorsement of his reforms but he called it “a good beginning” for the ruling coalition.
“This means we are on the right track... They’re happy with the announcements, with the thinking and policy direction but now we must make sure we provide the results,” Najib said after the results were announced.
Kamalanathan said he was “touched” by his victory but said he would have to work harder to win over all voters and not just the Chinese votes that had gone to PKR.
“This victory is not mine, this victory belongs to the Barisan Nasional machinery,” Kamalanathan told a press conference. He said that he would soon move from Rawang to Hulu Selangor, as he promised during campaigning.
MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said an estimated 68% to 72% of Indian voters had returned to MIC and BN this time.
“We explain to them and show how important it is to be with BN to guarantee their future... We start with the new MIC that is closer to the rakyat,” Samy Vellu said, when asked about MIC’s chances in the next general election.
By FMT Team
FULL REPORT KUALA KUBU BARU: Barisan Nasional has managed to reclaim the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat after its candidate P Kamalanathan defeated PKR's Zaid Ibrahim.
The Election Commission announced that Kamalanathan had won the seat with a 1,725 vote-majority.
Kamalanathan garnered 24,997 votes while Zaid polled 23,272.
The victory will provide a boost for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who described the election as a referendum on his leadership and policies.
Najib, who is also the Selangor Umno chief, is bent on recapturing the state in the next general election. Selangor fell into the hands of Pakatan Rakyat in the 2008 polls.
However, the Hulu Selangor seat fell short of BN's targeted 6,000 vote-majority, indicating that the ruling coalition and its chairperson cannot rest on their laurels just as yet.
Prior to losing the “safe seat” in 2008, BN's then four-term MP and MIC deputy president G Palanivel had emerged victorious with thumping victories, surpassing the 10,000 mark.
In his last outing, Palanivel was defeated by PKR's Zainal Ahmad Abidin by a mere 198 votes, which also witnessed the number of protest votes greatly outnumbering the majority.
A by-election was called for the Hulu Selangor seat following Zainal's death on March 25.
Battle for Malay votes
Since the onset, observers had pointed out that BN's "morality" campaign against Zaid, branding him an alcoholic and gambler, would have an impact on Malay voters, who form the majority.
Kamalanathan was also portrayed as a down-to-earth candidate, with the media highlighting his proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, whereas Zaid, a former law minister, was described as too high profile for the semi-urban constituency, littered with villages and estates.
More than an MIC man, the BN campaign promoted Kamalanathan as a 1Malaysia candidate and the underdog in what some observers had described as a battle between David and Goliath.
While Zaid managed to pull in a significant number of Chinese votes, it was not enough to offset the losses in the Malay-majority areas. Indian votes also appeared to be in favour of BN this time around.
On the other hand, Kamalanathan's victory would see MIC having an additional MP after the party was nearly annihilated in the 2008 general election.
Currently, MIC is represented by Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam (Segamat) and two deputy ministers SK Devamany (Cameron Highlands) and M Saravanan (Tapah).
In the run-up to the Hulu Selangor by-election, the BN leadership and MIC were embroiled in a tussle over who to field.
While MIC wanted Palanivel to run again, the BN leadership, however, insisted that a fresh face stood a better chance.
Following this, a consensus was reached on fielding Kamalanathan at the eleventh hour.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat supporters were in high spirits in the early stages of the vote count when Zaid was ahead by nearly 2,000 votes.
PAS operations director Jamaliddin Elias had predicted that the PKR candidate would win by more than 500 votes based on the turnout.
Whereas think-tank Zantrum Future Studies expected PKR to garner more than 52.3% support while BN will get 47.7%.
FULL REPORT KUALA KUBU BARU: Barisan Nasional has managed to reclaim the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat after its candidate P Kamalanathan defeated PKR's Zaid Ibrahim.
The Election Commission announced that Kamalanathan had won the seat with a 1,725 vote-majority.
Kamalanathan garnered 24,997 votes while Zaid polled 23,272.
The victory will provide a boost for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who described the election as a referendum on his leadership and policies.
Najib, who is also the Selangor Umno chief, is bent on recapturing the state in the next general election. Selangor fell into the hands of Pakatan Rakyat in the 2008 polls.
However, the Hulu Selangor seat fell short of BN's targeted 6,000 vote-majority, indicating that the ruling coalition and its chairperson cannot rest on their laurels just as yet.
Prior to losing the “safe seat” in 2008, BN's then four-term MP and MIC deputy president G Palanivel had emerged victorious with thumping victories, surpassing the 10,000 mark.
In his last outing, Palanivel was defeated by PKR's Zainal Ahmad Abidin by a mere 198 votes, which also witnessed the number of protest votes greatly outnumbering the majority.
A by-election was called for the Hulu Selangor seat following Zainal's death on March 25.
Battle for Malay votes
Since the onset, observers had pointed out that BN's "morality" campaign against Zaid, branding him an alcoholic and gambler, would have an impact on Malay voters, who form the majority.
Kamalanathan was also portrayed as a down-to-earth candidate, with the media highlighting his proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, whereas Zaid, a former law minister, was described as too high profile for the semi-urban constituency, littered with villages and estates.
More than an MIC man, the BN campaign promoted Kamalanathan as a 1Malaysia candidate and the underdog in what some observers had described as a battle between David and Goliath.
While Zaid managed to pull in a significant number of Chinese votes, it was not enough to offset the losses in the Malay-majority areas. Indian votes also appeared to be in favour of BN this time around.
On the other hand, Kamalanathan's victory would see MIC having an additional MP after the party was nearly annihilated in the 2008 general election.
Currently, MIC is represented by Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam (Segamat) and two deputy ministers SK Devamany (Cameron Highlands) and M Saravanan (Tapah).
In the run-up to the Hulu Selangor by-election, the BN leadership and MIC were embroiled in a tussle over who to field.
While MIC wanted Palanivel to run again, the BN leadership, however, insisted that a fresh face stood a better chance.
Following this, a consensus was reached on fielding Kamalanathan at the eleventh hour.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat supporters were in high spirits in the early stages of the vote count when Zaid was ahead by nearly 2,000 votes.
PAS operations director Jamaliddin Elias had predicted that the PKR candidate would win by more than 500 votes based on the turnout.
Whereas think-tank Zantrum Future Studies expected PKR to garner more than 52.3% support while BN will get 47.7%.
KUALA KUBU BARU: Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor yang baru, P. Kamalanathan berikrar akan segera turun padang untuk bertemu dengan rakyat di kawasannya bagi melaksanakan tugas dan tanggungjawab yang diamanahkan.
Beliau berkata, kemenangan yang diperolehinya ini adalah satu tanggungjawab yang perlu digalas dengan sebaik mungkin.
"Saya sedar bahawa rakyat di Hulu Selangor telah beri kepercayaan kepada saya untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab yang besar ini.
"Pada masa yang sama juga ia akan mencerminkan keprihatinan BN untuk berkhidmat kepada rakyat," katanya dalam sidang media selepaspengumuman keputusan di sini malam ini.
Kamalanathan menewaskan calon Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Zaid Ibrahim dengan majoriti 1,725 undi.
Beliau memperoleh 24,997 undi manakala Zaid 23,272 undi.
Selain itu kata Kamalanathan beliau akan turun menemui rakyat di Hulu Selangor mulai esok untuk mengucapkan terima kasih dan penghargaannya kepada mereka.
Kamalanathan juga memberitahu, beliau akan segera berpindah ke kawasan Hulu Selangor bagi memudahkannya melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya kepada rakyat.
Mengulas mengenai kemenangannya, beliau berkata ia bukan kejayaannya seorang tetapi milik semua jentera parti khususnya Pengerusi BN, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak dan timbalannya, Tan Sri MuhyiddinYassin.
Ditanya apakah strategi yang akan dilakukan untuk menawan kembali hati pengundi Cina apabila BN kalah di majoriti peti undi kaum itu, beliau berkata: "Saya akan kerja keras, bukan sahaja untuk memenangi hati kaum Cina semula tapi juga keseluruhan rakyat di Hulu Selangor tanpa mengira kaum."
-mstar.com.my
Beliau berkata, kemenangan yang diperolehinya ini adalah satu tanggungjawab yang perlu digalas dengan sebaik mungkin.
"Saya sedar bahawa rakyat di Hulu Selangor telah beri kepercayaan kepada saya untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab yang besar ini.
"Pada masa yang sama juga ia akan mencerminkan keprihatinan BN untuk berkhidmat kepada rakyat," katanya dalam sidang media selepaspengumuman keputusan di sini malam ini.
Kamalanathan menewaskan calon Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Zaid Ibrahim dengan majoriti 1,725 undi.
Beliau memperoleh 24,997 undi manakala Zaid 23,272 undi.
Selain itu kata Kamalanathan beliau akan turun menemui rakyat di Hulu Selangor mulai esok untuk mengucapkan terima kasih dan penghargaannya kepada mereka.
Kamalanathan juga memberitahu, beliau akan segera berpindah ke kawasan Hulu Selangor bagi memudahkannya melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya kepada rakyat.
Mengulas mengenai kemenangannya, beliau berkata ia bukan kejayaannya seorang tetapi milik semua jentera parti khususnya Pengerusi BN, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak dan timbalannya, Tan Sri MuhyiddinYassin.
Ditanya apakah strategi yang akan dilakukan untuk menawan kembali hati pengundi Cina apabila BN kalah di majoriti peti undi kaum itu, beliau berkata: "Saya akan kerja keras, bukan sahaja untuk memenangi hati kaum Cina semula tapi juga keseluruhan rakyat di Hulu Selangor tanpa mengira kaum."
-mstar.com.my
KUALA KUBU BARU, 25 April – Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak sifatkan kejayaan Barisan Nasional (BN) di Hulu Selangor sebagai kemenangan yang membawa serti yang besar kepada BN.
“Kalau kita lihat pada 2008 dan kali ini bukti sudah berlaku peralihan sokongan kepada BN menghampiri 2,000 undi.
“Kita bertanding di sebuah negeri pembangkang, kalau dulu kita bertanding di negeri yang kita kuasai dengan kemenangan ini kita bersungguh-sungguh untuk memenuhi amanat rakyat yang kita mesti ambil serius dan laksanakan semua janji serta jangkaan dan harapan rakyat dari segi kebajikan dan pembangunan,” katanya pada sidang media selepas Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) mengumumkan kemenangan keputusan PRK Hulu Selangor di Kompleks Serbaguna Hulu Selangor, di sini, malam ini.
Pengerusi BN itu berkata, kejayaan itu membuktikan pengundi tidak menerima budaya fitnah. “Tahniah kepada jentera BN dan semua komponen parti, termasuk semua pihak yang secara langsung atau tidak langsung terlibat.
“Lihat calon berwibawa perwatakannya cepat menawan hati penduduk dan saya yakin ‘kamal’ mampu melaksanakkan tanggungjawab serta dapat mengetengahkan masyarakat Hulu Selangor.”
Menjawab satu soalan, Perdana Menteri akui sokongan pengundi cina kurang.
Beliau seterusnya berkata, BN akan membuat analisa dan tidak mahu membuat kesimpulan dengan cepat. “Walaupun di peti undi kawasan Cina kita kalah, saya percaya berlaku peningkatan. Saya tengok pada Hari Penamaan Calon dan pengumuman keputusan malam ini sudah ada perubahan.
“Saya yakin majoriti akan bertambah pada pilihan raya umum akan datang. Kalau kita buat kerja, tentu tiada masalah.”
“Kalau kita lihat pada 2008 dan kali ini bukti sudah berlaku peralihan sokongan kepada BN menghampiri 2,000 undi.
“Kita bertanding di sebuah negeri pembangkang, kalau dulu kita bertanding di negeri yang kita kuasai dengan kemenangan ini kita bersungguh-sungguh untuk memenuhi amanat rakyat yang kita mesti ambil serius dan laksanakan semua janji serta jangkaan dan harapan rakyat dari segi kebajikan dan pembangunan,” katanya pada sidang media selepas Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) mengumumkan kemenangan keputusan PRK Hulu Selangor di Kompleks Serbaguna Hulu Selangor, di sini, malam ini.
Pengerusi BN itu berkata, kejayaan itu membuktikan pengundi tidak menerima budaya fitnah. “Tahniah kepada jentera BN dan semua komponen parti, termasuk semua pihak yang secara langsung atau tidak langsung terlibat.
“Lihat calon berwibawa perwatakannya cepat menawan hati penduduk dan saya yakin ‘kamal’ mampu melaksanakkan tanggungjawab serta dapat mengetengahkan masyarakat Hulu Selangor.”
Menjawab satu soalan, Perdana Menteri akui sokongan pengundi cina kurang.
Beliau seterusnya berkata, BN akan membuat analisa dan tidak mahu membuat kesimpulan dengan cepat. “Walaupun di peti undi kawasan Cina kita kalah, saya percaya berlaku peningkatan. Saya tengok pada Hari Penamaan Calon dan pengumuman keputusan malam ini sudah ada perubahan.
“Saya yakin majoriti akan bertambah pada pilihan raya umum akan datang. Kalau kita buat kerja, tentu tiada masalah.”
KUALA KUBU BARU, 25 April – Calon Barisan Nasional (BN) P Kamalanathan anggap kejayaan BN sebagai kemenangan kepada pimpinan Perdana Menteri, terutama penerimaan rakyat terhadap Gagasan 1Malaysia.
“Kemenangan ini bukan saya punya, kemenangan ini milik Jentera BN, Perdana Menteri, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan seluruh rakyat Hulu Selangor.
“Saya amat terharu dengan kemenangan ini dan sedar rakan-rakan di Hulu Selangor beri kepercayaan untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab. Saya sedar tanggungjawab yang dipikul akan dinilai secara keseluruhan iaitu BN.
“Secepat mungkin saya akan melawati semua pengundi, tidak kisah sama ada mereka mengundi saya atau tidak. Bagi saya semua mereka sama saja, saya nak jumpa untuk ucap terima kasih,” pada sidang media selepas pengumuman keputusan Pilihan Raya Kecil (PRK) Hulu Selangor di sini, malam ini.
Ketua Penerangan MIC Pusat itu juga memberitahu, beliau akan berpindah rumah untuk tinggal di Hulu Selangor di dalam masa terdekat.
“Saya berjanji, saya akan bekerja keras untuk mendapatkan semua sokongan rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dan selepas ini. Terima kasih kepada semua rakan media, sesungguhnya manusia merancang, Tuhan menentukan,” ujarnya.
“Kemenangan ini bukan saya punya, kemenangan ini milik Jentera BN, Perdana Menteri, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan seluruh rakyat Hulu Selangor.
“Saya amat terharu dengan kemenangan ini dan sedar rakan-rakan di Hulu Selangor beri kepercayaan untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab. Saya sedar tanggungjawab yang dipikul akan dinilai secara keseluruhan iaitu BN.
“Secepat mungkin saya akan melawati semua pengundi, tidak kisah sama ada mereka mengundi saya atau tidak. Bagi saya semua mereka sama saja, saya nak jumpa untuk ucap terima kasih,” pada sidang media selepas pengumuman keputusan Pilihan Raya Kecil (PRK) Hulu Selangor di sini, malam ini.
Ketua Penerangan MIC Pusat itu juga memberitahu, beliau akan berpindah rumah untuk tinggal di Hulu Selangor di dalam masa terdekat.
“Saya berjanji, saya akan bekerja keras untuk mendapatkan semua sokongan rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dan selepas ini. Terima kasih kepada semua rakan media, sesungguhnya manusia merancang, Tuhan menentukan,” ujarnya.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
By S. Retnanathan
HULU SELANGOR, April 20 (Bernama) -- After a mundane start, the campaign for Sunday's Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election is expected to pick up speed in a day or two.
While hordes of supporters from both sides of the political divide have set up bases in this vast constituency, which is the size of Melaka, locals have yet to feel the "heat" of the by-election.
"The only sign that a by-election is going on is the posters. Posters and banners are everywhere, minus the crowd or even campaign workers. We can see booths of political parties but most of the time they are not manned," a local businessman, Saiful Amiruddin, 47, told Bernama when met at Bukit Sentosa, here.
While the campaign on the ground is moving at a snail's pace, both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), are expected to accelerate their campaign in a day or two.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to visit the constituency of about 64,500 voters on Wednesday night to give the much-needed shot in the arm for the ruling coalition's election workers.
He will visit all three major election centres in Hulu Selangor -- Hulu Bernam, Batang Kali and Kuala Kubu Baharu -- to whip up the spirit of BN election workers and at the same time show voters that their ballot for the ruling coalition is vital.
The Hulu Selangor by-election will see a straight fight between BN's P. Kamalanathan and PKR's Zaid Ibrahim. Two independents, who filed their nomination papers on Saturday, pulled out of the race yesterday.
Observers here said the sheer size of the constituency made it hard for political parties to cover it fully and this was the reason why the "heat" of the polls had not been felt yet.
"Hulu Selangor is very big. It borders Perak on the north and Pahang on the east. This is the reason why you do not see feverish campaign like in previous by-elections.
"Another factor, is that election machineries from both sides normally take time to warm up and to get to know the terrain here. Once they get to know the local party members, then can go full steam... it takes two or three days," said a political observer, who declined to be named.
A random survey by Bernama at ceramah by both sides also reveal lukewarm attendance but the crowd is expected to swell on the last lap of campaigning starting Thursday.
"These ceramah are only well attended if there are prominent leaders present. On the BN's side, when the Deputy Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) is present. On the opposition side, when (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is around. They are the crowd pullers.
"Otherwise it is just the normal crowd. But crowd attendance at ceramah cannot be used to gauge support because some people might just turn up out of curiosity," said an MIC central working committee member, who is campaigning on the ground.
Agreeing that the pace of campaigning would pick up pace in a day or two, he said much of the campaigning by both sides was focused on door-to-door campaigning rather than mass canvassing.
"We find visiting voters at their homes is more appealing to them. We get to know them personally. The voters too feel happy that we are visiting their them at home," he added.
Another method used by the ruling coalition in an effort to mix with the locals is to change from their formal attire to sports clothing and joining the local youth in games like volleyball or football.
Over the last two days Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, MIC Youth chief T. Mohan and rest of the BN youth have been joining locals in games.
"Off course, that is good. Winning over the youth in what they like doing. When they get leaders like Khairy playing volleyball or football with them, they get to know the leader better and get closer to them. It is a good strategy," said an observer.
While the heat over the last two days was unbearable, the rain since last night in this sleepy hollow has somewhat cooled things down.
Although the rain has provided some respite to elections workers, it could also play spoiler as rain could hinder movement especially when it comes to door-to-door campaigning and ceramah.
-- BERNAMA
HULU SELANGOR, April 20 (Bernama) -- After a mundane start, the campaign for Sunday's Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election is expected to pick up speed in a day or two.
While hordes of supporters from both sides of the political divide have set up bases in this vast constituency, which is the size of Melaka, locals have yet to feel the "heat" of the by-election.
"The only sign that a by-election is going on is the posters. Posters and banners are everywhere, minus the crowd or even campaign workers. We can see booths of political parties but most of the time they are not manned," a local businessman, Saiful Amiruddin, 47, told Bernama when met at Bukit Sentosa, here.
While the campaign on the ground is moving at a snail's pace, both Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), are expected to accelerate their campaign in a day or two.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to visit the constituency of about 64,500 voters on Wednesday night to give the much-needed shot in the arm for the ruling coalition's election workers.
He will visit all three major election centres in Hulu Selangor -- Hulu Bernam, Batang Kali and Kuala Kubu Baharu -- to whip up the spirit of BN election workers and at the same time show voters that their ballot for the ruling coalition is vital.
The Hulu Selangor by-election will see a straight fight between BN's P. Kamalanathan and PKR's Zaid Ibrahim. Two independents, who filed their nomination papers on Saturday, pulled out of the race yesterday.
Observers here said the sheer size of the constituency made it hard for political parties to cover it fully and this was the reason why the "heat" of the polls had not been felt yet.
"Hulu Selangor is very big. It borders Perak on the north and Pahang on the east. This is the reason why you do not see feverish campaign like in previous by-elections.
"Another factor, is that election machineries from both sides normally take time to warm up and to get to know the terrain here. Once they get to know the local party members, then can go full steam... it takes two or three days," said a political observer, who declined to be named.
A random survey by Bernama at ceramah by both sides also reveal lukewarm attendance but the crowd is expected to swell on the last lap of campaigning starting Thursday.
"These ceramah are only well attended if there are prominent leaders present. On the BN's side, when the Deputy Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) is present. On the opposition side, when (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim is around. They are the crowd pullers.
"Otherwise it is just the normal crowd. But crowd attendance at ceramah cannot be used to gauge support because some people might just turn up out of curiosity," said an MIC central working committee member, who is campaigning on the ground.
Agreeing that the pace of campaigning would pick up pace in a day or two, he said much of the campaigning by both sides was focused on door-to-door campaigning rather than mass canvassing.
"We find visiting voters at their homes is more appealing to them. We get to know them personally. The voters too feel happy that we are visiting their them at home," he added.
Another method used by the ruling coalition in an effort to mix with the locals is to change from their formal attire to sports clothing and joining the local youth in games like volleyball or football.
Over the last two days Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, MIC Youth chief T. Mohan and rest of the BN youth have been joining locals in games.
"Off course, that is good. Winning over the youth in what they like doing. When they get leaders like Khairy playing volleyball or football with them, they get to know the leader better and get closer to them. It is a good strategy," said an observer.
While the heat over the last two days was unbearable, the rain since last night in this sleepy hollow has somewhat cooled things down.
Although the rain has provided some respite to elections workers, it could also play spoiler as rain could hinder movement especially when it comes to door-to-door campaigning and ceramah.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA KUBU BARU: Barisan Nasional candidate P. Kamalanathan has been spending 20 hours a day on the campaign trail.
After four days of hectic campaigning, the 44-year-old public relations manager is still as fit as a fiddle and continues to woo voters in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency with seemingly endless energy.
Everywhere he goes, he seems to attract crowds of women, all of them fighting to take pictures with him.
“My name is Kamalanathan. Please give me a chance to serve and be your friend. I promise I will give 120%,” is his usual starting line.
Decked in Barisan colours — white T-shirt, blue track pants and sneakers — he and his wife S. Shobana usually hit the campaign trail as early as 7am.
On Tuesday, he visited the Kuala Kubu Baru wet market where he shook hands with people of all walks of life.
Some gave him words of encouragements while others greeted him with a smile. A few photographs were snapped.
One woman was heard saying in Malay: “He is young. He can work.”
He then stopped at a stall in the market for a cup of tea and was treated to a popiah by the owner of a nearby foodstall.
His next stop was the district government offices where he canvassed for the votes of the civil servants.
“They are my voters. I have to introduce myself and hope they will give me a chance,” he said.
The lanky Kamalanathan walks fast and his entourage members have a tough time tagging along.
In the midst of talking with people from the Welfare Department, police, district office and other departments, he managed to give a 30-minute interview with Radio FM Selangor before resuming his rounds.
Although many feel confident of Kamalanathan wresting back the seat from PKR based on the overwhelming response from the Hulu Selangor people, he feels that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“As a public relations practitioner, I love meeting people. I have made thousands of friends.
“We should not be over-confident of a win. We have to meet as many voters as possible and ask them to vote,” he said.
Before going to bed at 3am, Kamalanathan had visited scores of other locations.
Besides Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, he even crossed paths with his political foe, PKR candidate Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, his wife and supporters.
Kamalanathan, who was having lunch in Taman Teratai, quickly stood up and shook hands with them. They even managed a hug.
In an earlier interview, Kamalanathan had said this week was going to be his longest week.
“I hope to cover as many areas as possible. I am working very, very hard and I am focused in meeting the people and telling them what the Barisan can do and what I can do for them,” he said.
After four days of hectic campaigning, the 44-year-old public relations manager is still as fit as a fiddle and continues to woo voters in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency with seemingly endless energy.
Everywhere he goes, he seems to attract crowds of women, all of them fighting to take pictures with him.
“My name is Kamalanathan. Please give me a chance to serve and be your friend. I promise I will give 120%,” is his usual starting line.
Decked in Barisan colours — white T-shirt, blue track pants and sneakers — he and his wife S. Shobana usually hit the campaign trail as early as 7am.
On Tuesday, he visited the Kuala Kubu Baru wet market where he shook hands with people of all walks of life.
Some gave him words of encouragements while others greeted him with a smile. A few photographs were snapped.
One woman was heard saying in Malay: “He is young. He can work.”
He then stopped at a stall in the market for a cup of tea and was treated to a popiah by the owner of a nearby foodstall.
His next stop was the district government offices where he canvassed for the votes of the civil servants.
“They are my voters. I have to introduce myself and hope they will give me a chance,” he said.
The lanky Kamalanathan walks fast and his entourage members have a tough time tagging along.
In the midst of talking with people from the Welfare Department, police, district office and other departments, he managed to give a 30-minute interview with Radio FM Selangor before resuming his rounds.
Although many feel confident of Kamalanathan wresting back the seat from PKR based on the overwhelming response from the Hulu Selangor people, he feels that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“As a public relations practitioner, I love meeting people. I have made thousands of friends.
“We should not be over-confident of a win. We have to meet as many voters as possible and ask them to vote,” he said.
Before going to bed at 3am, Kamalanathan had visited scores of other locations.
Besides Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, he even crossed paths with his political foe, PKR candidate Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, his wife and supporters.
Kamalanathan, who was having lunch in Taman Teratai, quickly stood up and shook hands with them. They even managed a hug.
In an earlier interview, Kamalanathan had said this week was going to be his longest week.
“I hope to cover as many areas as possible. I am working very, very hard and I am focused in meeting the people and telling them what the Barisan can do and what I can do for them,” he said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
