ALOR STAR: While Barisan Nasional (BN) continues to woo the Malays who had voted for PAS in the May 5 general election to change their mindset and hijrah or move to BN, PAS is struggling to sustain its dwindling influence among the Chinese voters.

Although the number of registered Chinese voters are only 1,842, PAS would not have sufficient numbers to retain the Sungai Limau state seat if half of that jump to BN or absent on the voting day.

The ‘territorial war’ between BN and PAS for Sungai Limau state seat heightens on the sixth day of campaign with both sides of the political divide intensifying their attacks and stepping up their defences.

In the poster war in Kampung Sedaka, PAS increases its presence by putting up more flags and banners, pulling out or pulling down BN’s flags and banners, replacing the sites with theirs.

And in the ‘war’ to win over the minds and hearts of the 27,222 voters, PAS is struggling to keep its voters ‘loyalty’ as it is losing the young voters as evident in its ceramahsand activities where these voters were not visible except few who are below voting age looking at their physique.

And PAS is struggling to keep its Chinese voters who were with them in the May 5 general election, despite its numbers is small. 

Loh Choon Hong, 36, a shopkeeper at Sungai Limau Dalam town said he would not expect the Chinese voters to be 100 percent with the Islamic party this time around.

“From my view point mixing around here, the old Chinese voters seem to be inclined to vote for BN while only the young Chinese voters are still with PAS.

“This is because the young voters are exposed to internets where their minds are more on the national level rather than the local bread and butter issues.

“For me and other business people here, we just want peace and harmony where we can do our business and earn a living,” he said, while serving his clients ta his sundry shop.

The bulk of Chinese voters are in the town of Sungai Limau and Sungai Limau Dalam while the young

Chinese voters work in towns in Gurun, Sungai Petani and Kulim.

DAP assemblyman for Kota Darul Aman, Teoh Boon Kok, who campaigns for PAS in Sungai Limau town said the challenge now was to ensure the young Chinese voters take time off from their work to vote.

“Their number is quite substantial and if they cannot come back from their places in Gurun, Kulim and Sungai Petani, PAS majority may not be big.

“So it is our challenge to make sure they come back and the problem is transportation if they are given time off to vote.

“Many go to work by factory buses and these buses won’t be around to pick them up, send them to their polling stations and send them back to work.

“So we have to find ways to make it easier for them,” he said.

Monday is voting day and it is a working day and PAS finds it difficult in trying to get the maximum support from the Chinese as they are away at work.

Facing a decline in support from the young Malay voters and now, the Chinese voters, the party may see the Sungai Limau state seat slipping from its hold on Monday.

Issues are not much in existence for the Chinese voters in Sungai Limau which make it more difficult for PAS to sustain the support from the community.

The scenario is no longer BN struggling to win over voters but its PAS struggling hard, very hard to keep the seat from slipping away, considering the situation the Islamicparty is in at present.

YAN (Kedah): A swing of the Chinese votes to the Barisan Nasional (BN) is likely to happen in the Sungai Limau state by-election, polling for which is on Nov 4.

The Chinese only make up 1,842 of the 27,222 voters but their votes can be crucial for the victory of BN candidate Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim in a constituency that has remained a PAS stronghold for five electoral terms since 1995.

Information gleaned from interviews with some Chinese voters indicates that the community is beginning to see the endearing personality of the late Sungai Limau state assemblyman Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS in Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

A coffeeshop owner who wished to be identified just as Ooi, 58, was straightforward with his remark: "I think BN can win this state seat due to the current Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's capability in leading the state."

He said Mukhriz was energetic, passionate and down-to-earth - qualities which he claimed Azizan, the former Kedah menteri besar, had had.

The Sungai Limau state seat fell vacant following the death of Azizan on Sept 26. Dr Ahmad Sohaimi, 52, a former Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris lecturer, is engaged in a straight fight with PAS' Mohd Azam Abdul Samat, 37, a director of the party-backed early education network Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) Kedah.

Ooi said the by-election was the last chance for the Chinese community, especially the younger generation, to vote for the right candidate if they wanted a change for a better life.

Talking of Mukhriz, he said that "with his young mind and spirit, we believe he would bring development and opportunities for the youths in Sungai Limau".

He said that despite being a calm and peaceful place to live in, the Sungai Limau constituency did not have many facilities to offer youths and was considered a 'sleepy' town without any sports complex or entertainment centre.

Most of the youths have migrated to other areas for a better life, he added.

"However, with Mukhriz's stated commitment to bring more opportunities and development to the area, we believe it is time to get the BN to lead the change for a better tomorrow," he said.

A fertiliser seller, who wanted to be known only as Chin, said the Chinese had supported Azizan because he was "friendly and caring" unlike the local BN leaders then whom he claimed had been "unfriendly and insensitive to our problems".

Chin, 54, of Sungai Limau Dalam, regarded as the 'Pekan Cina' of the constituency, said their unhappiness over the unfriendliness of the local community leaders then had pushed them to vote for the opposition in the last few general elections.

A paddy farmer who wanted to be known as Ah Keat said they were aware of all the various incentives allocated by the government to develop the agricultural sector in the state.

However, the failure of the local leaders then to take care of them had made them vote for Azizan, he said.

Ah Keat, 48, said he felt that this time there might be a change because Mukhriz and Dr Ahmad Sohaimi were seen as "good and humble leaders". BERNAMA

YAN (Kedah): A swing of the Chinese votes to the Barisan Nasional (BN) is likely to happen in the Sungai Limau state by-election, polling for which is on Nov 4.

The Chinese only make up 1,842 of the 27,222 voters but their votes can be crucial for the victory of BN candidate Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim in a constituency that has remained a PAS stronghold for five electoral terms since 1995.

Information gleaned from interviews with some Chinese voters indicates that the community is beginning to see the endearing personality of the late Sungai Limau state assemblyman Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS in Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

A coffeeshop owner who wished to be identified just as Ooi, 58, was straightforward with his remark: "I think BN can win this state seat due to the current Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's capability in leading the state."

He said Mukhriz was energetic, passionate and down-to-earth - qualities which he claimed Azizan, the former Kedah menteri besar, had had.

The Sungai Limau state seat fell vacant following the death of Azizan on Sept 26. Dr Ahmad Sohaimi, 52, a former Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris lecturer, is engaged in a straight fight with PAS' Mohd Azam Abdul Samat, 37, a director of the party-backed early education network Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) Kedah.

Ooi said the by-election was the last chance for the Chinese community, especially the younger generation, to vote for the right candidate if they wanted a change for a better life.

Talking of Mukhriz, he said that "with his young mind and spirit, we believe he would bring development and opportunities for the youths in Sungai Limau".

He said that despite being a calm and peaceful place to live in, the Sungai Limau constituency did not have many facilities to offer youths and was considered a 'sleepy' town without any sports complex or entertainment centre.

Most of the youths have migrated to other areas for a better life, he added.

"However, with Mukhriz's stated commitment to bring more opportunities and development to the area, we believe it is time to get the BN to lead the change for a better tomorrow," he said.

A fertiliser seller, who wanted to be known only as Chin, said the Chinese had supported Azizan because he was "friendly and caring" unlike the local BN leaders then whom he claimed had been "unfriendly and insensitive to our problems".

Chin, 54, of Sungai Limau Dalam, regarded as the 'Pekan Cina' of the constituency, said their unhappiness over the unfriendliness of the local community leaders then had pushed them to vote for the opposition in the last few general elections.

A paddy farmer who wanted to be known as Ah Keat said they were aware of all the various incentives allocated by the government to develop the agricultural sector in the state.

However, the failure of the local leaders then to take care of them had made them vote for Azizan, he said.

Ah Keat, 48, said he felt that this time there might be a change because Mukhriz and Dr Ahmad Sohaimi were seen as "good and humble leaders". BERNAMA

The Sg Limau constituency in the district of Yan, Kedah has long become the stronghold of PAS. Since the late Tan Sri Azizan Razak won the state seat in that particular constituency in 1995, it seems impenetrable by the likes of UMNO and its component parties.

For that long, the constituency has not seen any real change even though other parts of the Kedah state are booming in context of development. Sungai Limau is situated on the coast of the Malacca straits and have a big potential to be developed especially for the tourism industry. 

However, this did not happen and the people of Sungai Limau are used to be left behind by the state government. Maybe that is what being promoted by PAS since its establishment. 

Their only mission and vision is to secure a place in heaven while disregarding their reality in this this world.

At a glance, Sungai Limau is seen similar to any village in the state of Kelantan in context of the mentality of its people and its geographical landscape. 

There are a few religious schools and “pondok schools” which are not well kept. 

Their existence is to show evidence to the outside world that this constituency are not chasing worldly

matters, as their main goal is to go to heaven as promised by their PAS leaders.

In contrast with Sungai Limau, only a few kilometres to the north or south of Sungai Limau, the Alor Setar and Sungai Petani town are situated. In both of these towns we can see development under way or has already been established by the Barisan Nasional government. 

There are proper roads connecting Sungai Limau and both of these two town, however, it seems like the constituency of Sungai Limau is cut off from any development.

When appointed as the Menteri Besar of Kedah, the late Tan Sri Azizan was said to have a grand vision of his constituency. Project such as the hydrocarbon hub that was planned to be built in the constituency are said to be able to rise the state income and give a lot of job opportunities to enhance the economy and development in Sungai Limau.

However, this particular plan did not came into effect as there are a lot of hurdles, including the lach of experience from the state government itself. Thus, Sungai Limau will be left behind and excluded from development.

The people of Sungai Limau seem to be content with their way of living and their everyday routine. Sadly the world is changing and humans need to adaat to these changes. 

The people of Sungai Limau cannot be left behind in gaining knowledge and development as it is the main reason Allah created human beings in the first place.

If it is true that the people of Sungai Limau wants to find a place in heaven, they need to follow Allah’s orders to seek knowledge and to cultivate what He has given us in this world.

 It is a fact that the development in Malaysia can only be achieved through the Barisan Nasional and not PAS. 

PAS has a lot of time to develop Sungai Limau, but they did not do anything to achieve that, even during their stint as the state government.

It is true that Tan Sri Azizan has tried but without the experience and knowledge it not as easy as what they think.

Like adding insult to injury, PAS during their reign in Kedah refuse to help a lot of religious schools and also ignore the “pondok” school that they took pride off. 

It seems that PAS is really depending on the support of the people in Sungai Limau.

However, we applaud the late Tan Sri Azizan who would consult an UMNO leader in order to enhance the development in Kedah. Sadly, Allah loves him more and he were not able to fulfil his dream to develop Kedah and especially Sungai Limau.

Now the people of Sungai Limau are given the chance to make it right. How long does the people of Sungai Limau will stay as a backward as they have now.

Just imagine the job opportunities and business that can be make if UMNO is given the mandate to represent Sungai Limau. Also imagine the help that the federal government can give to the religious school to upgrade the quality of education and development if UMNO won the Sungai Limau constituency.

What we are all sure is that UMNO will bring a better life for the people of Sungai Limau. It is hoped for all of the voters of Sungai Limau to vote intelligently on the 4thof November because no one can change your fate except you. It is time for the people of Sungai Limau to have something in their constituency.

The Sg Limau constituency in the district of Yan, Kedah has long become the stronghold of PAS. Since the late Tan Sri Azizan Razak won the state seat in that particular constituency in 1995, it seems impenetrable by the likes of UMNO and its component parties.

For that long, the constituency has not seen any real change even though other parts of the Kedah state are booming in context of development. Sungai Limau is situated on the coast of the Malacca straits and have a big potential to be developed especially for the tourism industry. 

However, this did not happen and the people of Sungai Limau are used to be left behind by the state government. Maybe that is what being promoted by PAS since its establishment. 

Their only mission and vision is to secure a place in heaven while disregarding their reality in this this world.

At a glance, Sungai Limau is seen similar to any village in the state of Kelantan in context of the mentality of its people and its geographical landscape. 

There are a few religious schools and “pondok schools” which are not well kept. 

Their existence is to show evidence to the outside world that this constituency are not chasing worldly

matters, as their main goal is to go to heaven as promised by their PAS leaders.

In contrast with Sungai Limau, only a few kilometres to the north or south of Sungai Limau, the Alor Setar and Sungai Petani town are situated. In both of these towns we can see development under way or has already been established by the Barisan Nasional government. 

There are proper roads connecting Sungai Limau and both of these two town, however, it seems like the constituency of Sungai Limau is cut off from any development.

When appointed as the Menteri Besar of Kedah, the late Tan Sri Azizan was said to have a grand vision of his constituency. Project such as the hydrocarbon hub that was planned to be built in the constituency are said to be able to rise the state income and give a lot of job opportunities to enhance the economy and development in Sungai Limau.

However, this particular plan did not came into effect as there are a lot of hurdles, including the lach of experience from the state government itself. Thus, Sungai Limau will be left behind and excluded from development.

The people of Sungai Limau seem to be content with their way of living and their everyday routine. Sadly the world is changing and humans need to adaat to these changes. 

The people of Sungai Limau cannot be left behind in gaining knowledge and development as it is the main reason Allah created human beings in the first place.

If it is true that the people of Sungai Limau wants to find a place in heaven, they need to follow Allah’s orders to seek knowledge and to cultivate what He has given us in this world.

 It is a fact that the development in Malaysia can only be achieved through the Barisan Nasional and not PAS. 

PAS has a lot of time to develop Sungai Limau, but they did not do anything to achieve that, even during their stint as the state government.

It is true that Tan Sri Azizan has tried but without the experience and knowledge it not as easy as what they think.

Like adding insult to injury, PAS during their reign in Kedah refuse to help a lot of religious schools and also ignore the “pondok” school that they took pride off. 

It seems that PAS is really depending on the support of the people in Sungai Limau.

However, we applaud the late Tan Sri Azizan who would consult an UMNO leader in order to enhance the development in Kedah. Sadly, Allah loves him more and he were not able to fulfil his dream to develop Kedah and especially Sungai Limau.

Now the people of Sungai Limau are given the chance to make it right. How long does the people of Sungai Limau will stay as a backward as they have now.

Just imagine the job opportunities and business that can be make if UMNO is given the mandate to represent Sungai Limau. Also imagine the help that the federal government can give to the religious school to upgrade the quality of education and development if UMNO won the Sungai Limau constituency.

What we are all sure is that UMNO will bring a better life for the people of Sungai Limau. It is hoped for all of the voters of Sungai Limau to vote intelligently on the 4thof November because no one can change your fate except you. It is time for the people of Sungai Limau to have something in their constituency.

Sungai Limau by-election campaign enters its fifth day today and the ground seems going well for Barisan Nasional (BN) as PAS loses grip of the voters, particularly the young ones.

PAS young voters and young supporters do not seem to stand out in the campaign trail as the party’s ceramahs held nightly have only been attended by a handful of old folks, hardly one hundred at each ceramah.

The ceramahs by both sides of the political divide began on Friday night as the weather has been fine with rainfalls only in the afternoon, not till late nights like Wednesday and Thursday.

And the last Friday and Saturday nights, PAS seemed to have failed to rally the few hundreds crowd at each ceramah, a stark contrast to the party’s normal ceramahs that attracted few hundreds if not by the thousands.

The youngsters, the normal PAS supporters who have been prevalent in controlling traffic every party ceramah and putting up banners and flags were absent in Sungai Limau, reflecting two things – PAS influence is fading among the youngsters and the party’s internal friction rears its ugly head.

Sungai Limau has been PAS bastion since 1995 and the late Datuk Seri Azizan Razak, who was one-term Mentri Besar, was well-loved by Sungai Limau’s 41,400-odd population of whom 27,222 would be casting their votes on Nov 4.

After his demise, the party had problems in choosing its candidates as the state PAS is split into three factions – Azizan’s fundamentalist faction, present party state commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Omar whose faction is close to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former exco member Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi who leads his own faction not aligned to any side.

Phahrolrazi had staged a rebellion against the late Azizan when he latter was Menteri Besar but failed and this had led to the break-away of Phahrolrazi’s supporters, who is said to have boycotted the current by-election.

Mahfuz, whose leadership is not well accepted by the fundamentalists in the state for his closeness with Anwar, has been in Kuala Lumpur to attend the the Parliament session and thus, his presence is not felt at all.

With such situation, the campaigning is left to the fundamentalists and Azizan’s group whose style is the traditionally holding ceramahs, completely detached from the normal kampong style of shaking hands and a small chat.

Lucky for this group, the party women wing – the Muslimah – is all out going house-to house campaign wooing support which normally stars around 8am to afternoon.

But the concentration with this method of campaigning is the old folks who are known to be staunch PAS supporters who actually need no further ‘push’ mentally.

BN on the other hand seems to have penetrated the PAS bastion by focusing on the young voters who the past five days could be seen filling up BN’s operation centres in droves on their motorcycles.

They seem to be attracted to BN’s Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Dr Mahathir’s whose personality is somewhat alike the late Azizan – soft spoken, always smiling and looking straight in the eyes when talking person-to-person.

Talks among kampong folks are that ‘Mukhriz budak baik’ (Mukhriz is a good boy) who should be given a ‘peluang’ (chance).

Whether this will be translated into votes on Nov 4 is yet to be seen but the fact remains that BN has penetrated the PAS bastion through the young voters.

Sungai Limau by-election campaign enters its fifth day today and the ground seems going well for Barisan Nasional (BN) as PAS loses grip of the voters, particularly the young ones.

PAS young voters and young supporters do not seem to stand out in the campaign trail as the party’s ceramahs held nightly have only been attended by a handful of old folks, hardly one hundred at each ceramah.

The ceramahs by both sides of the political divide began on Friday night as the weather has been fine with rainfalls only in the afternoon, not till late nights like Wednesday and Thursday.

And the last Friday and Saturday nights, PAS seemed to have failed to rally the few hundreds crowd at each ceramah, a stark contrast to the party’s normal ceramahs that attracted few hundreds if not by the thousands.

The youngsters, the normal PAS supporters who have been prevalent in controlling traffic every party ceramah and putting up banners and flags were absent in Sungai Limau, reflecting two things – PAS influence is fading among the youngsters and the party’s internal friction rears its ugly head.

Sungai Limau has been PAS bastion since 1995 and the late Datuk Seri Azizan Razak, who was one-term Mentri Besar, was well-loved by Sungai Limau’s 41,400-odd population of whom 27,222 would be casting their votes on Nov 4.

After his demise, the party had problems in choosing its candidates as the state PAS is split into three factions – Azizan’s fundamentalist faction, present party state commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Omar whose faction is close to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former exco member Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi who leads his own faction not aligned to any side.

Phahrolrazi had staged a rebellion against the late Azizan when he latter was Menteri Besar but failed and this had led to the break-away of Phahrolrazi’s supporters, who is said to have boycotted the current by-election.

Mahfuz, whose leadership is not well accepted by the fundamentalists in the state for his closeness with Anwar, has been in Kuala Lumpur to attend the the Parliament session and thus, his presence is not felt at all.

With such situation, the campaigning is left to the fundamentalists and Azizan’s group whose style is the traditionally holding ceramahs, completely detached from the normal kampong style of shaking hands and a small chat.

Lucky for this group, the party women wing – the Muslimah – is all out going house-to house campaign wooing support which normally stars around 8am to afternoon.

But the concentration with this method of campaigning is the old folks who are known to be staunch PAS supporters who actually need no further ‘push’ mentally.

BN on the other hand seems to have penetrated the PAS bastion by focusing on the young voters who the past five days could be seen filling up BN’s operation centres in droves on their motorcycles.

They seem to be attracted to BN’s Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Dr Mahathir’s whose personality is somewhat alike the late Azizan – soft spoken, always smiling and looking straight in the eyes when talking person-to-person.

Talks among kampong folks are that ‘Mukhriz budak baik’ (Mukhriz is a good boy) who should be given a ‘peluang’ (chance).

Whether this will be translated into votes on Nov 4 is yet to be seen but the fact remains that BN has penetrated the PAS bastion through the young voters.

If Tan Sri Azizan is still alive, he would have not agreed with Anwar Ibrahim regarding the issue of the word “Allah”. Because of this controversial issue, maybe Anwar think that it is best for him not to come.

Anwar himself know that his attendance will not be well received and will be known as a liability for Kedah’s PAS.

Anwar is also worried that what happened in Besut might repeat itself. In the Kuala Besut by-election, Anwar’s presence is not felt. Even amongs his minions in PAS also received the same treatment. It is clear that most of the grass root members of PAS opposes Anwar and his Anwarinas team in PAS.

Whether we understand this or not, the Anwarinas will control PAS even though their grass root supporters opposes them. Thus, if PAS won again is Sg Limau, it will be considered as the acceptance of PAS grass root members towards the leadership of Anwarinas in their party.

Sg Limau supporters must take heed of this particular information so that they will make the right choice on the 4th of November 2013.

Please understand that what Tan Sri Azizan had gone through and fought for in PAS. Just imagine the challenges that he has to face to ensure Kedah is clean from any corruption and for those who support extremism such as the Shia cult.

Anwar’s absence in Sg Limau does not mean that PAS is free from his clutches. Now, the late Tan Sri Azizan is no more, and PAS Kedah has lost their protector from the vicious agenda of Anwar and his minions.

The fact of the matter is, it is up to the voters of Sg Limau in understanding and interpreting the struggle and vision of Allayarham Tan Sri Azizan. Only then they can make the right choice in the ballot box without compromising their integrity.

If Tan Sri Azizan is still alive, he would have not agreed with Anwar Ibrahim regarding the issue of the word “Allah”. Because of this controversial issue, maybe Anwar think that it is best for him not to come.

Anwar himself know that his attendance will not be well received and will be known as a liability for Kedah’s PAS.

Anwar is also worried that what happened in Besut might repeat itself. In the Kuala Besut by-election, Anwar’s presence is not felt. Even amongs his minions in PAS also received the same treatment. It is clear that most of the grass root members of PAS opposes Anwar and his Anwarinas team in PAS.

Whether we understand this or not, the Anwarinas will control PAS even though their grass root supporters opposes them. Thus, if PAS won again is Sg Limau, it will be considered as the acceptance of PAS grass root members towards the leadership of Anwarinas in their party.

Sg Limau supporters must take heed of this particular information so that they will make the right choice on the 4th of November 2013.

Please understand that what Tan Sri Azizan had gone through and fought for in PAS. Just imagine the challenges that he has to face to ensure Kedah is clean from any corruption and for those who support extremism such as the Shia cult.

Anwar’s absence in Sg Limau does not mean that PAS is free from his clutches. Now, the late Tan Sri Azizan is no more, and PAS Kedah has lost their protector from the vicious agenda of Anwar and his minions.

The fact of the matter is, it is up to the voters of Sg Limau in understanding and interpreting the struggle and vision of Allayarham Tan Sri Azizan. Only then they can make the right choice in the ballot box without compromising their integrity.

Its ‘war’ and it is going to be ‘hell’ for PAS in defending the Sungai Limau state seat from Barisan Nasional (BN), a seat which the Islamic party has held for the past five terms, since 1995.

It is not that BN is getting stronger or BN is going to attack PAS stronghold like the Allied Forces landed in Normandy beach that ended the Second World War but it is worse than that – the party internal conflict.

The Sungai Limau by-election saw a straight fight between PAS candidate Mohd Azam Abd Samat and BN's Dr Sohaimi Lazim, the former a 37-year old private religious school administrator and the latter a 52-year old educational academician.

Putting age aside, both are locals and both are known to the most of the 27,222 voters in the constituency where the landscape is flat with padi fields and the environment is quiet and serene.

With the quietness and stillness now broken into a hive of activities, not havoc though, the constituency is like a ‘war zone’ where one can see houses and huts covered with banners and flags of both rivals of the political divide.

The voters are also split into two – where the late Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS and Mentri Besar – won only 2,774 votes majority, considered as nothing great comparing the voters totaling 27,222, where in 2008 general election PAS gained a majority of 3,212 votes.

In reality, the political war is about winning the hearts and minds of the voters, who were of Islamic mindset and changes through times where the reality of life sets in – daily bread and butter issues in accordance to the rising cost of living.

PAS influence have dwindled although the party has held the constituency for the last five terms given the majority the late Azizan gained was not high and BN’s concept of religion and economy goes hand-in-hand.

But that is not exactly what PAS fear most in Sungai Limau, it is the internal conflict between three groups that may dampened or probably bring down the party on polling day fixed on Nov 4.

Vengeance and backstabbing because of power had led the former PAS state government to fall and this time around the same thing will drag PAS down.

The power struggle is between PAS state commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Datuk Phahrori and the late Azizan’s followers, the latter who wanted Aziza’s son to be the candidate but was pushed aside.

Despite the appearances of the whole party leadership headed by president Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang this morning at the nomination centre, the undercurrent friction still exist and will continue to undermind the party campaign.

For BN, today’s show of force is considered as miraculous as all the leaders present seemed sincere and honest, especially when the party had just concluded its poll where Mentri Besar Mukhriz Dr Mahathir finished just a breath away to unseat incumbent vice-president Datuk Deri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Wanita chief Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil were here the last two days planning the wooing of voters strategy, the job she is famed with as proven by the success in Kuala Besut by-election in Terengganu.

As usual, Wanita Umno’s job is the most tedious and most important as Shahrizat will head the ‘kepala 10’ team where each team leader is responsible for every 10 voters – daily monitoring of where the voters’ inclinations go.

It maybe a uphill task for BN given the voters’ profile and background but with the new Mentri Besar datuk Mukhriz Dr Mahathir’s leadership as director of operation, the work may get simpler and easier.

Mukhriz’s untarnished image and credibility may be a good start for BN in the next 12 days campaign trail.

Sungai Limau is the second by-election since the conclusion of the May 5 general election where the first by-election was held in Kuala Besut, Terengganu after BN's Dr A Rahman Mokhtar died on June 26.

BN succeeded in retaining the seat in a hot battle.

Its ‘war’ and it is going to be ‘hell’ for PAS in defending the Sungai Limau state seat from Barisan Nasional (BN), a seat which the Islamic party has held for the past five terms, since 1995.

It is not that BN is getting stronger or BN is going to attack PAS stronghold like the Allied Forces landed in Normandy beach that ended the Second World War but it is worse than that – the party internal conflict.

The Sungai Limau by-election saw a straight fight between PAS candidate Mohd Azam Abd Samat and BN's Dr Sohaimi Lazim, the former a 37-year old private religious school administrator and the latter a 52-year old educational academician.

Putting age aside, both are locals and both are known to the most of the 27,222 voters in the constituency where the landscape is flat with padi fields and the environment is quiet and serene.

With the quietness and stillness now broken into a hive of activities, not havoc though, the constituency is like a ‘war zone’ where one can see houses and huts covered with banners and flags of both rivals of the political divide.

The voters are also split into two – where the late Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak of PAS and Mentri Besar – won only 2,774 votes majority, considered as nothing great comparing the voters totaling 27,222, where in 2008 general election PAS gained a majority of 3,212 votes.

In reality, the political war is about winning the hearts and minds of the voters, who were of Islamic mindset and changes through times where the reality of life sets in – daily bread and butter issues in accordance to the rising cost of living.

PAS influence have dwindled although the party has held the constituency for the last five terms given the majority the late Azizan gained was not high and BN’s concept of religion and economy goes hand-in-hand.

But that is not exactly what PAS fear most in Sungai Limau, it is the internal conflict between three groups that may dampened or probably bring down the party on polling day fixed on Nov 4.

Vengeance and backstabbing because of power had led the former PAS state government to fall and this time around the same thing will drag PAS down.

The power struggle is between PAS state commissioner Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Datuk Phahrori and the late Azizan’s followers, the latter who wanted Aziza’s son to be the candidate but was pushed aside.

Despite the appearances of the whole party leadership headed by president Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang this morning at the nomination centre, the undercurrent friction still exist and will continue to undermind the party campaign.

For BN, today’s show of force is considered as miraculous as all the leaders present seemed sincere and honest, especially when the party had just concluded its poll where Mentri Besar Mukhriz Dr Mahathir finished just a breath away to unseat incumbent vice-president Datuk Deri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Wanita chief Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil were here the last two days planning the wooing of voters strategy, the job she is famed with as proven by the success in Kuala Besut by-election in Terengganu.

As usual, Wanita Umno’s job is the most tedious and most important as Shahrizat will head the ‘kepala 10’ team where each team leader is responsible for every 10 voters – daily monitoring of where the voters’ inclinations go.

It maybe a uphill task for BN given the voters’ profile and background but with the new Mentri Besar datuk Mukhriz Dr Mahathir’s leadership as director of operation, the work may get simpler and easier.

Mukhriz’s untarnished image and credibility may be a good start for BN in the next 12 days campaign trail.

Sungai Limau is the second by-election since the conclusion of the May 5 general election where the first by-election was held in Kuala Besut, Terengganu after BN's Dr A Rahman Mokhtar died on June 26.

BN succeeded in retaining the seat in a hot battle.

Despite holding a senior post at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 52, a senior lecturer, has never failed to step into the paddy field to meet the village people.

His close friend, Che Me Jaih, 61, said Ahmad Sohaimi who is also known as Chegu Sohaimi among his friends and people in his village, has a humble character and friendly approach towards his friends and villagers although he holds a Phd in political history from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Che Me said Chegu Sohaimi whom he had known since small would always spare time to return to his village although he lived far from Kedah, just to meet the villagers.

"He lives near Tanjung Malim but will return to meet his friends and village people often. Even if he is invited for a small 'kenduri' (thanks giving feast), he will return to be with friends," Che Me told Bernama, here, Tuesday.

He was also keen on helping people with problems or just involved in community service and always had a quick solution for problems.

Ahmad Sohaimi, a father of six from Kampung Titi Batu within the constituency studied at Sekolah Kebangsaan Teroi and Sekolah Menengah Guar Chempedak before pursuing his degree in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) before studying for his Masters at Universiti Malaya and returned to USM for his Phd.

He used to teach in Sekolah Agama Taufikiyah Khairiah Al-Halimiah, Padang Lumat, near here.

Ahmad Sohaimi who is the Umno Jerai division committee member, was announced as Barisan Nasional (BN)'s candidate by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

His wife Siti Bunga Ismail, 40, said her husband was always concerned with the welfare of the villagers in his home town, especially aspects of education and human capital development and has even resigned his post as a senior lecturer at UPSI to fulfill his ambition of serving the people.

"My husband had a good job, a very high post but he has decided to give up everything to serve his people back home. He was always determined to help the people and serve them in any capacity. So this is a good opportunity for him fulfill his ambition," she said.

BERNAMA

Despite holding a senior post at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 52, a senior lecturer, has never failed to step into the paddy field to meet the village people.

His close friend, Che Me Jaih, 61, said Ahmad Sohaimi who is also known as Chegu Sohaimi among his friends and people in his village, has a humble character and friendly approach towards his friends and villagers although he holds a Phd in political history from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Che Me said Chegu Sohaimi whom he had known since small would always spare time to return to his village although he lived far from Kedah, just to meet the villagers.

"He lives near Tanjung Malim but will return to meet his friends and village people often. Even if he is invited for a small 'kenduri' (thanks giving feast), he will return to be with friends," Che Me told Bernama, here, Tuesday.

He was also keen on helping people with problems or just involved in community service and always had a quick solution for problems.

Ahmad Sohaimi, a father of six from Kampung Titi Batu within the constituency studied at Sekolah Kebangsaan Teroi and Sekolah Menengah Guar Chempedak before pursuing his degree in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) before studying for his Masters at Universiti Malaya and returned to USM for his Phd.

He used to teach in Sekolah Agama Taufikiyah Khairiah Al-Halimiah, Padang Lumat, near here.

Ahmad Sohaimi who is the Umno Jerai division committee member, was announced as Barisan Nasional (BN)'s candidate by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

His wife Siti Bunga Ismail, 40, said her husband was always concerned with the welfare of the villagers in his home town, especially aspects of education and human capital development and has even resigned his post as a senior lecturer at UPSI to fulfill his ambition of serving the people.

"My husband had a good job, a very high post but he has decided to give up everything to serve his people back home. He was always determined to help the people and serve them in any capacity. So this is a good opportunity for him fulfill his ambition," she said.

BERNAMA

YAN, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Jerai PAS Youth Chief Mohd Azam Samat, 37, the director of Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam Kedah has been chosen by the opposition as the candidate for the Sg Limau by-election.

PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang when making the announcement said Mohd Azam was a product the Pondok Bukit Besar school which is situated in the same constituency.

"Mohd Azam, the father of five children is the grandson of three renown Kedah religious scholars," he said when introducing the PAS candidate in Sungai Limau, here, Monday night.

Barisan Nasional (BN) had earlier named lecturer Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim has as the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Sungai Limau by-election.

Ahmad Sohaimi, 52, who is a lecturer at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is from Titi Batu here.

The Sungai Limau state seat fell vacant following the death of Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, the former Kedah Menteri Besar, on Sept 26.

The Election Commission has fixed Wednesday for nomination.

BERNAMA

YAN, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Jerai PAS Youth Chief Mohd Azam Samat, 37, the director of Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam Kedah has been chosen by the opposition as the candidate for the Sg Limau by-election.

PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang when making the announcement said Mohd Azam was a product the Pondok Bukit Besar school which is situated in the same constituency.

"Mohd Azam, the father of five children is the grandson of three renown Kedah religious scholars," he said when introducing the PAS candidate in Sungai Limau, here, Monday night.

Barisan Nasional (BN) had earlier named lecturer Dr Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim has as the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Sungai Limau by-election.

Ahmad Sohaimi, 52, who is a lecturer at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) is from Titi Batu here.

The Sungai Limau state seat fell vacant following the death of Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak, the former Kedah Menteri Besar, on Sept 26.

The Election Commission has fixed Wednesday for nomination.

BERNAMA