KAJANG, March 23. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has retained the Kajang state seat with a reduced majority than in the 13th general election (GE-13).

PKR candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, 62, won with a majority of 5,379 votes after polling 16,741 votes to 11,362 secured by Barisan Nasional's (BN) Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, 50.

In GE-13 held in May last year, Lee won the seat with a majority of 6,824 votes in a six-cornered contest that also involved the BN, Berjasa and three independent candidates.

The result was announced by returning officer Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman at the vote tally centre at the Kajang Municipal Council Sport Complex in Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi here Sunday night.

He said 176 of the 28,314 votes cast were spoilt votes.

The votes obtained by Wan Azizah dropped by 2,830 or 14.4 percent from the number of votes garnered by Lee in GE-13, that is 19,571.

The voter turnout also dropped by 5,976 or 17.4 per cent from 34,290 in GE-13.

The by-election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of the assemblyman, Lee Chin Cheh of PKR, apparently to pave the way for PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest and reportedly become the next menteri besar of Selangor, replacing Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

However, the conviction and sentencing of Anwar to five years jail by the Court of Appeals, which overturned a High Court decision acquitting him of sodomy, had made the opposition leader ineligible to be a candidate.BERNAMA

KAJANG, March 23. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has retained the Kajang state seat with a reduced majority than in the 13th general election (GE-13).

PKR candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, 62, won with a majority of 5,379 votes after polling 16,741 votes to 11,362 secured by Barisan Nasional's (BN) Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, 50.

In GE-13 held in May last year, Lee won the seat with a majority of 6,824 votes in a six-cornered contest that also involved the BN, Berjasa and three independent candidates.

The result was announced by returning officer Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman at the vote tally centre at the Kajang Municipal Council Sport Complex in Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi here Sunday night.

He said 176 of the 28,314 votes cast were spoilt votes.

The votes obtained by Wan Azizah dropped by 2,830 or 14.4 percent from the number of votes garnered by Lee in GE-13, that is 19,571.

The voter turnout also dropped by 5,976 or 17.4 per cent from 34,290 in GE-13.

The by-election was necessitated by the sudden resignation of the assemblyman, Lee Chin Cheh of PKR, apparently to pave the way for PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest and reportedly become the next menteri besar of Selangor, replacing Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

However, the conviction and sentencing of Anwar to five years jail by the Court of Appeals, which overturned a High Court decision acquitting him of sodomy, had made the opposition leader ineligible to be a candidate.BERNAMA

KAJANG, March 19. PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has queried Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil on why the latter was so upset with the former’s candidacy in the Kajang by-election.

“Why is she vexed with my nomination? As a woman I can contest in any seat, so can Shahrizat. That is why she is the (Umno Wanita) wing chief,” said Wan Azizah at a DAP organised ceramah in Sungai Dua last night.

On Sunday, Shahrizat had accused Wan Azizah of being PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim’s tool to hold on to power at any cost, including at the expense of victimising Kajang voters.

“When she (Wan Azizah) was Permatang Pauh MP, she was forced to resign due to Anwar’s political greed. 

She was used as a tool then and now again in Kajang. It is the Kajang voters who are being victimised,” 

Shahrizat was reported as saying.

Defending her nomination in Kajang, Wan Azizah said that her decision to run for the by-election stemmed from the injustice meted to her husband and others.

“We fight based on issues. I am here because of the injustice. My husband (Anwar) was wrongfully sentenced.

“There have been injustices against (DAP parliamentary chief) Lim Kit Siang and (DAP secretary general) Lim Guan Eng. I am here to fight for all Malaysians,” she said.

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court acquittal and slapped Anwar with five years jail time for sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

The Permatang Pauh MP had since posted bail and filed an appeal at the Federal Court.

Taking a swipe at Shahrizat, Wan Azizah queried the supposed ignorance of the former minister on her family’s involvement in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp) scandal in 2011.

Shahrizat’s husband, Mohamed Salleh Ismail is the executive chairman for the company while her children are also listed as board members.

During the hearing of the case in 2012, Shahrizat testified that she had no knowledge of her husband and children’s activities in the scandal ridden venture.

“How come she had no clue on what her husband and her kids were doing in NFCorp?,” Azizah questioned.

Wan Azizah would be facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in the March 23 state seat by-election.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

KAJANG, March 19. PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has queried Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil on why the latter was so upset with the former’s candidacy in the Kajang by-election.

“Why is she vexed with my nomination? As a woman I can contest in any seat, so can Shahrizat. That is why she is the (Umno Wanita) wing chief,” said Wan Azizah at a DAP organised ceramah in Sungai Dua last night.

On Sunday, Shahrizat had accused Wan Azizah of being PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim’s tool to hold on to power at any cost, including at the expense of victimising Kajang voters.

“When she (Wan Azizah) was Permatang Pauh MP, she was forced to resign due to Anwar’s political greed. 

She was used as a tool then and now again in Kajang. It is the Kajang voters who are being victimised,” 

Shahrizat was reported as saying.

Defending her nomination in Kajang, Wan Azizah said that her decision to run for the by-election stemmed from the injustice meted to her husband and others.

“We fight based on issues. I am here because of the injustice. My husband (Anwar) was wrongfully sentenced.

“There have been injustices against (DAP parliamentary chief) Lim Kit Siang and (DAP secretary general) Lim Guan Eng. I am here to fight for all Malaysians,” she said.

Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court acquittal and slapped Anwar with five years jail time for sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

The Permatang Pauh MP had since posted bail and filed an appeal at the Federal Court.

Taking a swipe at Shahrizat, Wan Azizah queried the supposed ignorance of the former minister on her family’s involvement in the National Feedlot Corporation (NFCorp) scandal in 2011.

Shahrizat’s husband, Mohamed Salleh Ismail is the executive chairman for the company while her children are also listed as board members.

During the hearing of the case in 2012, Shahrizat testified that she had no knowledge of her husband and children’s activities in the scandal ridden venture.

“How come she had no clue on what her husband and her kids were doing in NFCorp?,” Azizah questioned.

Wan Azizah would be facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in the March 23 state seat by-election.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. At the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

KAJANG: The handphones of 11 PKR leaders and activists have been hacked and subtle messages meant to show Pakatan Rakyat’s in-fighting have been sent out to voters.

PKR communication director Fahmi Fadzil said today two police reports had been lodged recently.

Those whose phones were hacked were Gombak MP and party deputy president Azmin Ali, party vice presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar (Lembah Pantai MP), Tian Chua (Batu MP) and Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan MP), Bukit Katil MP Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Simpang Pulai state assemblyman Tan Kar Hing and Sri Muda state assemblyman Shuhaimi Shafiei.

Others affected were PKR organising secretary Radin Shamsul Akmar and party workers Lee Joon How from Sungai Chua and Faridi Yaakob from Sungai Kantan.

“Messages are still being sent out using our phone lines even though two police reports have been lodged.

“The messages were sent out in bad faith and clearly favours our political opponents,” Fahmi told reporters at the PKR election machinery headquarters in Sungai Sekamat.

Also present at the press conference were Fuziah, Tan, Faridi and Lee.

Fuziah said her handphone was hacked during the launch of the party’s election machinery centre in Taman Kota Jaya.

“I was receiving weird messages. The senders told me they received messages from my line.

“Among the messages were “Where is the (PAS Women’s Wing) Muslimat Selangor on the ground? Why is the Muslimat from Perak and other states campaigning on the forefront?”

She asked the telecommunication company why the handphone lines were breached so easily.

“We can be framed for things that we did not say. It is a serious matter,” she said. Desperate action by opponents

She added that the messages were subtle and meant to show Pakatan’s infighting to the voters here.

“It is a desperate measure by our opponents,” she said.

Fuziah said she would speak to party lawyers on the possibility of suing the telecommunication companies if they failed to address the problem.

She said she did not complain to the Election Commission because it was powerless and had to rely on other agencies to enforce the laws.

“It is the police and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission that must stop phone-hacking from marring this by-election,” she added.

Tan said it was an intrusion of his privacy and an example of bad politics practised by the opponents.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in the March 23 state seat by-election.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. Advance polling will be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. In the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

KAJANG: The handphones of 11 PKR leaders and activists have been hacked and subtle messages meant to show Pakatan Rakyat’s in-fighting have been sent out to voters.

PKR communication director Fahmi Fadzil said today two police reports had been lodged recently.

Those whose phones were hacked were Gombak MP and party deputy president Azmin Ali, party vice presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar (Lembah Pantai MP), Tian Chua (Batu MP) and Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan MP), Bukit Katil MP Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Simpang Pulai state assemblyman Tan Kar Hing and Sri Muda state assemblyman Shuhaimi Shafiei.

Others affected were PKR organising secretary Radin Shamsul Akmar and party workers Lee Joon How from Sungai Chua and Faridi Yaakob from Sungai Kantan.

“Messages are still being sent out using our phone lines even though two police reports have been lodged.

“The messages were sent out in bad faith and clearly favours our political opponents,” Fahmi told reporters at the PKR election machinery headquarters in Sungai Sekamat.

Also present at the press conference were Fuziah, Tan, Faridi and Lee.

Fuziah said her handphone was hacked during the launch of the party’s election machinery centre in Taman Kota Jaya.

“I was receiving weird messages. The senders told me they received messages from my line.

“Among the messages were “Where is the (PAS Women’s Wing) Muslimat Selangor on the ground? Why is the Muslimat from Perak and other states campaigning on the forefront?”

She asked the telecommunication company why the handphone lines were breached so easily.

“We can be framed for things that we did not say. It is a serious matter,” she said. Desperate action by opponents

She added that the messages were subtle and meant to show Pakatan’s infighting to the voters here.

“It is a desperate measure by our opponents,” she said.

Fuziah said she would speak to party lawyers on the possibility of suing the telecommunication companies if they failed to address the problem.

She said she did not complain to the Election Commission because it was powerless and had to rely on other agencies to enforce the laws.

“It is the police and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission that must stop phone-hacking from marring this by-election,” she added.

Tan said it was an intrusion of his privacy and an example of bad politics practised by the opponents.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in the March 23 state seat by-election.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. Advance polling will be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. In the last general election in May 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes.

KAJANG: PKR said it has captured 45% of the Malay votes and is targeting to hit 60% as the party intensifies its campaign with less than a week to go before the Kajang by-election.

PKR’s Kajang by-election deputy director Zuraida Kamaruddin said out of the more than 39,000 voters, the party had captured 45% of the Malay votes, an increase of 8% since the general election last year.

She also added that the party now had the support of 75% of the Chinese and 55% Indians.

“We will focus on the Malay areas,” said Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is Ampang MP and PKR Wanita chief, at a press conference held at the party’s election machinery headquarters in Sungai Sekamat yesterday.

Zuraida said the party machinery along with Pakatan component members had contacted up to 90% of the voters.

She said 65% of voters supported PKR, 15% Barisan Nasional, 10% undecided and 10% outside voters.

She admitted that the party was having difficulty wooing voters aged 50 and above.

Zuraida said these people were finding it difficult to switch from BN.

“They are like wives in a loveless marriage but do not want to be divorced,” she said.

PAS central information and media relations bureau deputy chairman Muhammad Muhd Taib said BN’s willingness to splurge funds was a stumbling block for Pakatan to reach out to the Malay voters.

“The deputy prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) recently announced funds of up to RM80,000 for surau and related development.You have to admit that money talks,” said the former Selangor menteri besar.

However, he said the Malays could not be easily conned just with money.

“They may listen to what you want to say but at times they know more than you do,” he added.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in a straight fight on March 23.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. Advanced polling will be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. In the general election in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, 41% Chinese, 10% Indians and 1% others.

KAJANG: PKR said it has captured 45% of the Malay votes and is targeting to hit 60% as the party intensifies its campaign with less than a week to go before the Kajang by-election.

PKR’s Kajang by-election deputy director Zuraida Kamaruddin said out of the more than 39,000 voters, the party had captured 45% of the Malay votes, an increase of 8% since the general election last year.

She also added that the party now had the support of 75% of the Chinese and 55% Indians.

“We will focus on the Malay areas,” said Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is Ampang MP and PKR Wanita chief, at a press conference held at the party’s election machinery headquarters in Sungai Sekamat yesterday.

Zuraida said the party machinery along with Pakatan component members had contacted up to 90% of the voters.

She said 65% of voters supported PKR, 15% Barisan Nasional, 10% undecided and 10% outside voters.

She admitted that the party was having difficulty wooing voters aged 50 and above.

Zuraida said these people were finding it difficult to switch from BN.

“They are like wives in a loveless marriage but do not want to be divorced,” she said.

PAS central information and media relations bureau deputy chairman Muhammad Muhd Taib said BN’s willingness to splurge funds was a stumbling block for Pakatan to reach out to the Malay voters.

“The deputy prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) recently announced funds of up to RM80,000 for surau and related development.You have to admit that money talks,” said the former Selangor menteri besar.

However, he said the Malays could not be easily conned just with money.

“They may listen to what you want to say but at times they know more than you do,” he added.

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is facing MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in a straight fight on March 23.

The Kajang state seat fell vacant following the resignation of incumbent assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh of PKR on Jan 27. Advanced polling will be held on March 19.

The state seat comprises 39,728 registered voters. In the general election in May, 2013, the seat saw a voter turnout of 87.9% with 541 spoilt votes. It has 48% Malay voters, 41% Chinese, 10% Indians and 1% others.

KAJANG, March 15. The opposition leaders have been described as arrogant when they alleged the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate will lose her deposit in the Kajang by-election this March 23.

MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a candidate's the victory, defeat or loss of deposit was in the hands of the 39,278 voters in Kajang and not the stage as touted by the opposition leaders.

"They (Pakatan Rakyat) are arrogant when they announced that Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun will lose her deposit while giving talks on the stage but they forgot a win in an election is determined by the voters.

"Here I want to remind that they have to remember not all voters will be automatically given to the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)...this is a fact that they must remember," he told Bernama here today.

Liow said the Pakatan Rakyat was also seen as too passionate in ensuring that Chew loses her deposit until they forgot the role that its candidate would play if she becomes the elected representative.

"They only want to win in Kajang but the BN through Chew clearly has an agenda and plan besides being committed to help remedy the problems being faced by the people in Kajang," he said.

The by-election will witness Chew facing a straight fight with PKR President Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. BERNAMA

KAJANG, March 15. The opposition leaders have been described as arrogant when they alleged the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate will lose her deposit in the Kajang by-election this March 23.

MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a candidate's the victory, defeat or loss of deposit was in the hands of the 39,278 voters in Kajang and not the stage as touted by the opposition leaders.

"They (Pakatan Rakyat) are arrogant when they announced that Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun will lose her deposit while giving talks on the stage but they forgot a win in an election is determined by the voters.

"Here I want to remind that they have to remember not all voters will be automatically given to the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)...this is a fact that they must remember," he told Bernama here today.

Liow said the Pakatan Rakyat was also seen as too passionate in ensuring that Chew loses her deposit until they forgot the role that its candidate would play if she becomes the elected representative.

"They only want to win in Kajang but the BN through Chew clearly has an agenda and plan besides being committed to help remedy the problems being faced by the people in Kajang," he said.

The by-election will witness Chew facing a straight fight with PKR President Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. BERNAMA

KAJANG, March 15. Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party was not at all surprised at the decision by former Agriculture and Agro-based Industry deputy minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar to switch to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). picture

"It was not a surprise. In fact, it was expected, because word was rife at the last general election that he was going do so.

"But his switch to PKR will not affect Umno in Penang. We have other leaders of higher calibre there," he told reporters after visiting residents at Kampung Paya here Saturday.

Shariff was reported to have announced his decision to join the PKR at a public forum led by PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kajang stadium here yesterday.

Formerly a Penang deputy chief minister, he was the Tasek Gelugor assemblyman for six terms.

Meanwhile, Shafie said voters should not assess the credibility of the candidate in the Kajang by-election based on the presentations at the forum, but on commitment to serve the grassroots.

"Our candidate, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has been going to the ground to meet the voters and take note of their problems and resolve them," he said.

He also disapproved of PKR candidate Datuk Seri Wan Azizah's ploy to release a manifesto in the by-election, saying it was unnecessary as Kajang was under Selangor which was already governed by Pakatan Rakyat. BERNAMA

KAJANG, March 15. Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party was not at all surprised at the decision by former Agriculture and Agro-based Industry deputy minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shariff Omar to switch to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). picture

"It was not a surprise. In fact, it was expected, because word was rife at the last general election that he was going do so.

"But his switch to PKR will not affect Umno in Penang. We have other leaders of higher calibre there," he told reporters after visiting residents at Kampung Paya here Saturday.

Shariff was reported to have announced his decision to join the PKR at a public forum led by PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kajang stadium here yesterday.

Formerly a Penang deputy chief minister, he was the Tasek Gelugor assemblyman for six terms.

Meanwhile, Shafie said voters should not assess the credibility of the candidate in the Kajang by-election based on the presentations at the forum, but on commitment to serve the grassroots.

"Our candidate, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has been going to the ground to meet the voters and take note of their problems and resolve them," he said.

He also disapproved of PKR candidate Datuk Seri Wan Azizah's ploy to release a manifesto in the by-election, saying it was unnecessary as Kajang was under Selangor which was already governed by Pakatan Rakyat. BERNAMA

Since Parliament sitting resumed, my friends from all over the country, YBs or not, flocked the to city centre to exercise their duties. When we found a little free time, we squeezed in a movie session. 

We decided to watch 300: Rise of An Empire, loosely based on Greek mythology. Although I haven’t seen the first installation, I had the idea that this movie will be testosterone-infused with gory human flesh tearing scenes and over-dosage of unnecessary male abs on display. Although it was not really my cup of tea, I chose to tag along.

A few minutes into the movie, we were introduced to two strong women, the graceful Queen Gorgo and the brilliant, manipulative Artemisia. Both wore swoon-worthy long-dresses into battles and were commanders of their respective armadas of thousands of men. Their courage, fearlessness and strength came from atrocious backstories which I am not going to describe here because you have to watch the entertaining piece of fiction yourself.

Our archipelago is not short of our own female warriors, for example, Tun Fatimah assisted Tun Perak, a Malaccan Bendahara in their fight against the Portuguese in the early 16th century. Tengku Tengah from Johor dared to face her father’s assailants with a sword and restored her father’s honour by allying with the Bugis. Kelantan’s Siti Wan Kembang who was believed to have ruled the state from 1548 to 1580, was known for her beauty and ability to enter battle on horseback with a sword with an army of female horse riders.

In the case of Artermisia and Queen Gorgo, both women were beaten down at some point of their lives and tested with series of hardships and sufferings. Nonetheless, they picked up the pieces of their broken selves, rebuilt their lives and returned stronger than ever.

As Dr Wan Azizah said, “lap air mata, teruskan perjuangan”. (Dry your tears, the fight must go on)

Recently, Kak Wan (as she is fondly referred to) was named Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Kajang by-election for PKR and she will be contesting against MCA’s Chew Mei Fun. As we all know, initially Anwar Ibrahim was supposed to stand as a candidate until he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The ugly history of Anwar ’s conviction in 1998 repeated itself and the coalition had to resort to a different strategy.

Kak Wan was seen wiping her tears when the court delivered its decision, like any other woman would. The gesture moved many. Malaysians, especially women from all background admired her courage, her strength, her faithfulness and her strong-will to brave these never-ending series of challenges all these years. I was 11 when her husband was first imprisoned. Put us in her shoes, we might not be able to survive the same ordeal.

From the wife of a Deputy Prime Minister, she became the wife to an ex-convict and now her husband might be imprisoned again. Kak Wan persevered instead of locking herself in a room. She did not avoid facing the world or cry her eyes out like any of us would do.

Kak Wan did the exactly opposite. She decided to stand in one of the most intense by-elections when she could have spent this few months with her husband who might be locked up again. She chose to offer herself to the rakyat once again and be a voice in Selangor state assembly. Kak Wan never gave up.

She even said at Pakatan Rakyat’s 5th Convention, “Walau sugul di hati, semangat masih tinggi’”

Kak Wan was never a pretty puppet in a baju kurung. She is the definition of a woman. She is the epitome of the word srikandi. This woman, regardless of political affiliation, deserves a standing ovation and our never-ending support. As the Malay saying goes, “Tangan yang menghayun buaian, mampu menggoncang dunia” (The hand that rocks the cradle is able to shake the world)

Now who says you can’t go into battle in a baju kurung? However, I must add that no ‘angkat kain’ or ‘selinsing lengan’ is needed. Happy International Women’s Day.

The writer is political secretary to Lim Kit Siang, MP for Gelang Patah

KAJANG, March 14. Tumpang lalu, much like “excuse me”, is what Malaysians would say if they wish to walk past people or through a crowd. In the impending Kajang by-election, it will be Umno Youth’s campaign theme. 

At present, it seems to be the best way in which the youth movement can win the hearts and minds of the 39,965 voters in the constituency. 

This by-election is no ordinary election where ideologies are marketed to voters and presentation of track records are highlighted for their perusals.

Called the “Kajang move”’ by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the by-election is nothing more than his plan to get elected to enable him to become Selangor menteri besar. 

With that background, Umno Youth seems to be on the right track of the campaign trail because going head-on against the Opposition would not do any good. Anwar’s hardcore supporters would not change their minds and those on the fence would not go for an aggressive BN.

Campaigning, which officially began on Tuesday, saw an aggressive Anwar and opposition leaders talking to voters about daily issues affecting them.

Locking horns on such issues would only benefit the Opposition as their speakers and leaders possess superior oratorial skills.

Thus, Umno Youth’s campaign line is considered most appropriate as “please, allow me to pass through” is a nice way of saying: “Give me a minute to fill your mind”, instead of confronting the Opposition in an open verbal confrontation without any end.

Yesterday saw the movement head Khairy Jamaluddin perform Isya’ prayers at Taman Kota Cheras as well as a santai or “relaxing chat” with youths.

Wanita Umno is also embarking on the kasih sayang campaign — besides house-to-house canvassing — which the movement is known for.

Yesterday also saw Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil visiting patients at Taman Sekamat, then at Batu 12, and handicapped people at Taman Koporasi Cuepecs.

As for Anwar, he has practically gone to 90 per cent of the constituency and since he was barred from contesting, he now introduces his wife, PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail, to the voters, re-visiting the places he had covered thus far.

Azizah is a soft-spoken woman whose voice, unlike her husband’s, will be easily drowned on a rally stage. Malay Mail

KAJANG, March 14. Tumpang lalu, much like “excuse me”, is what Malaysians would say if they wish to walk past people or through a crowd. In the impending Kajang by-election, it will be Umno Youth’s campaign theme. 

At present, it seems to be the best way in which the youth movement can win the hearts and minds of the 39,965 voters in the constituency. 

This by-election is no ordinary election where ideologies are marketed to voters and presentation of track records are highlighted for their perusals.

Called the “Kajang move”’ by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the by-election is nothing more than his plan to get elected to enable him to become Selangor menteri besar. 

With that background, Umno Youth seems to be on the right track of the campaign trail because going head-on against the Opposition would not do any good. Anwar’s hardcore supporters would not change their minds and those on the fence would not go for an aggressive BN.

Campaigning, which officially began on Tuesday, saw an aggressive Anwar and opposition leaders talking to voters about daily issues affecting them.

Locking horns on such issues would only benefit the Opposition as their speakers and leaders possess superior oratorial skills.

Thus, Umno Youth’s campaign line is considered most appropriate as “please, allow me to pass through” is a nice way of saying: “Give me a minute to fill your mind”, instead of confronting the Opposition in an open verbal confrontation without any end.

Yesterday saw the movement head Khairy Jamaluddin perform Isya’ prayers at Taman Kota Cheras as well as a santai or “relaxing chat” with youths.

Wanita Umno is also embarking on the kasih sayang campaign — besides house-to-house canvassing — which the movement is known for.

Yesterday also saw Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil visiting patients at Taman Sekamat, then at Batu 12, and handicapped people at Taman Koporasi Cuepecs.

As for Anwar, he has practically gone to 90 per cent of the constituency and since he was barred from contesting, he now introduces his wife, PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail, to the voters, re-visiting the places he had covered thus far.

Azizah is a soft-spoken woman whose voice, unlike her husband’s, will be easily drowned on a rally stage. Malay Mail

KAJANG, March 13. Kajang voters have been advised not to fall prey to promises made by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as it has failed to fulfil its 13th general election manifesto.

Describing the promises made in the run-up of the Kajang state by-election as "new baits", Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie said he hoped the voters would not be fooled and deceived by the new manifesto.

"Why they have to launch a new manifesto when they couldn't honour the old one," he told reporters after a walkabout and visits to several houses in Sungai Sekamat here Thursday.

The PKR yesterday launched a manifesto for the Kajang state by-election which delves on traffic congestion, crime, youth development and small-medium enterprises.

The Kajang by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and PKR candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Mohd Shafie said Kajang voters should support Chew, whom he described as a highly disciplined and committed BN leader who could be a bridge between the people and Putrajaya.

On PKR deputy president Azmin Ali's statement that the Selangor menteri besar would be replaced even though PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not contesting in Kajang, Mohd Shafie said it showed internal squabbles were rife in the PKR.

"It's up to them, it's not our agenda. They are giving voters a hard time by forcing the by-election," he said, adding that from his observation, the BN was regaining the support of Kajang voters. BERNAMA 

KAJANG, March 13. Kajang voters have been advised not to fall prey to promises made by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as it has failed to fulfil its 13th general election manifesto.

Describing the promises made in the run-up of the Kajang state by-election as "new baits", Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie said he hoped the voters would not be fooled and deceived by the new manifesto.

"Why they have to launch a new manifesto when they couldn't honour the old one," he told reporters after a walkabout and visits to several houses in Sungai Sekamat here Thursday.

The PKR yesterday launched a manifesto for the Kajang state by-election which delves on traffic congestion, crime, youth development and small-medium enterprises.

The Kajang by-election will see a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and PKR candidate Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Mohd Shafie said Kajang voters should support Chew, whom he described as a highly disciplined and committed BN leader who could be a bridge between the people and Putrajaya.

On PKR deputy president Azmin Ali's statement that the Selangor menteri besar would be replaced even though PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not contesting in Kajang, Mohd Shafie said it showed internal squabbles were rife in the PKR.

"It's up to them, it's not our agenda. They are giving voters a hard time by forcing the by-election," he said, adding that from his observation, the BN was regaining the support of Kajang voters. BERNAMA 

KAJANG, March 13. The hot weather and haze in the country may be bad for health but they did not deter Datin Chew Mei Fun from continuing to campaign for the hearts of Kajang voters.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Kajang by-election was getting hoarse from incessant campaigning in the hot and dry weather.

"My spirit is still strong even though the election campaign schedule is becoming tighter and I have to drink more honey to last until polling day.

"I will try to rest whenever I can," she said when asked about her apparent declining health," she said when met by reporters at the MCA main operations room. Also present was Hulu Langat MCA division chairman, Lee Ban Seng.

Asked on the reaction of residents to the campaign which entered the third day, Chew admitted she has to work harder to change the public perception on BN and MCA.

On BN's manifesto for the Kajang state by-election, she said it would be launched on Friday (March 14). BERNAMA 

KAJANG, March 13. The hot weather and haze in the country may be bad for health but they did not deter Datin Chew Mei Fun from continuing to campaign for the hearts of Kajang voters.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Kajang by-election was getting hoarse from incessant campaigning in the hot and dry weather.

"My spirit is still strong even though the election campaign schedule is becoming tighter and I have to drink more honey to last until polling day.

"I will try to rest whenever I can," she said when asked about her apparent declining health," she said when met by reporters at the MCA main operations room. Also present was Hulu Langat MCA division chairman, Lee Ban Seng.

Asked on the reaction of residents to the campaign which entered the third day, Chew admitted she has to work harder to change the public perception on BN and MCA.

On BN's manifesto for the Kajang state by-election, she said it would be launched on Friday (March 14). BERNAMA 

KAJANG. The guessing game on the candidates for the Kajang by-election is now over with Barisan Nasional's (BN) Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun and Parti Keadilan Rakyat's (PKR) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail locked in a straight fight.

Dramatic turn of events brought Dr Wan Azizah into the Kajang race instead of her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was PKR's original choice. Anwar, the PKR defacto head, was stopped on his tracks last Friday when the Court of Appeals found him guilty for sodomy and handed over a five-year jail sentence.

Chew was the choice for MCA that is seeking to revive its dwindling political fortunes and is ready to take the bull by the horns.

Interestingly, voters in the Kajang by election on March 23 will be voting along the lines of sympathy and credibility. Wan Azizah is expected to gain from sympathy votes for her husband while Chew's trump card is BN's credibility as a party that promotes peace, continuity and progress.

According to Associate Professor Datuk Dr Samsul Adabi Mamat, it would be interesting to see whether the Appeals Court decision on Anwar would have any bearing on the Kajang by-election outcome.

NOT NECESSARILY TRANSLATES INTO VOTE

Despite the odds going against BN, looking at the current political realities the outcome could still favour BN.

The huge turnout of supporters on the nomination day and at the campaigns that begun yesterday was not the effective yardstick in judging who has the upper hand.

It is the campaign strategies that gets into the hearts of the people that could translate into favourable votes.

According to the lecturer with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Social Science and Humanities Faculty, a high position within the party hierarchy too would not guarantee an easy win.

WHERE WOULD THE WOMEN'S VOTE GO?

Also, interestingly as both candidates are women and 50 percent of the 39,278 voters - Malays 48 percent, Chinese (40 percent) and Indians (10 percent) - in Kajang are women and it will be nice to see the voting trend.

In answering this, Samsul Adabi pointed out this was not something easy to predict in the early stages and the current scenario indicated that both candidates have a 50-50 chance.

"Nonetheless, the final outcome depends on the respective party's strategies to woo the voters," he said.

Yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also BN's deputy chairman, was reported saying the tough fight would not deter a surprise outcome especially when looking at the fact that BN's machinery at the 16 polling locations were already on overdrive.

SYMPATHY OR CREDIBILITY

Based on Samsul Adabi's recent evaluation, he found that women aged 30 and above show greater propensity to choose BN, that promotes peace, stability and progress while those between the 21-29 age group were inclined towards PKR due to sympathy and their exposure to the information from social media.

"Some of those between 21-29 years of age are still divided between BN or PKR.

"Sympathy for Anwar will also play a role like what happened in 1998 during the height of the 'reformasi' movement. Now I see that Anwar is no longer in the spotlight due to the MAS missing MH370 flight that is now hogging the news and social media," he said, adding that there would not be a repeat of the 1998 sentiments.

He added that Wan Azizah could only win through sympathy votes, while Chew who was the former Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister has proved her credibility as the Petaling Jaya Utara Parliament member.

YOUNG VOTERS THE DECIDING FACTOR

Apart from Chew's solid record, MCA has the advantage in winning the hearts of the people through its Youth and Puteri wings.

However, having said that, the opposition alliance also has its own strengths - its grip on the social media including Facebook and Twitter that could easily sway the voters.

"When speaking of cyber troopers, Pakatan Rakyat definitely has the upper hand. Therefore, I see a balanced strength at both sides," he said.

Meanwhile, BN Youth Chairman Khairy Jamaluddin said the focus of the youth wing is to win the hearts of the 14,000 young voters seen as the deciding factor in the election.

The Kajang by-election is being held after its incumbent Lee Chin Cheh from PKR abruptly resigned on 27 Jan. Lee won the seat in the 13th General Election in 2013 with a 6,824 majority in a six-cornered fight. BERNAMA