Seven nomination forms sold... so far

If the sale of nomination forms by the Election Commission (EC) is any indication, it looks like it is heading for a straight fight between Umno and PAS as the parties are the only ones which had bought them.

Manek Urai's EC deputy returning officer Wan Zulfadly Syhman Wan Yusof, when contacted by Malaysiakini confirmed that it had sold seven forms to representatives from both parties.

"Three forms had been sold to Umno/BN today at the Kuala Krai Land office, while PAS has picked up four forms at the EC office in Kota Bharu," Wan Zulfadly said.

"Each set of forms are being sold at RM20 each. However, the total number of forms sold does not reflect how many candidates are contesting as what matters are those who file in the forms between 9am to 10am on nomination day," he said.

Wan Zulfadly said the EC had not sold any nomination forms to independents or to any other organisations so far. Candidates have until Sunday to pick-up their nomination forms.

Initially, Parti Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) had also indicated its intention to contest.

Spare forms to avoid mistakes

Normally parties purchase spare nomination forms just in case they make mistakes while filling it.

Nomination day for the Manek Urai by-election is slated for Monday July 6, while polling is on July 14.

The seat fell vacant following the death of five-term assemblyperson Ismail Yaacob, who was affectionately known as "Pak Su Weil" on May 23.

PAS has named Kuala Krai treasurer Mohd Fauzi Abdullah, while Umno has announced the division Kuala Krai division youth chief Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat as its candidate.

Manek Urai has been a PAS stronghold as it only fell to Umno and BN twice after 12 general elections.

The constituency has more than 12,000 voters of which 99 per cent are Malays.

The by-election, the seventh since the March 8, 2008 general elections, would be seen as a further test on the leadership of Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak since taking office on April 3.