Despite numerous warnings issued against campaigning prior to the announcement of the Hulu Selangor by-election, political parties have already made their presence felt in the semi-rural constituency.

NONE Selangor Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar (left) had promised stern action against anyone involved in campaigns, rallies or political talks but that has not stopped rival parties from prowling the area to convince voters of their credentials.

The New Straits Times had reported that action would be taken under the Police Act and the Elections Act if warnings were not heeded.

The Election Commission (EC) had announced today that the polling date for the Hulu Selangor by-election is April 25, with nomination day on April 17.

However, the usual suspects from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) have already begun inspecting the major towns of Hulu Selangor, namely, Batang Kali, Hulu Bernam and Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB).

The opposition alliance kicked-off its electioneering immediately after the death of Zainal Abidin Ahmad, under the guise of their ‘Save Malaysia' campaign last week.

Some of the Pakatan bigwigs made a surprise appearance at the public-service campaign platform in KKB, which resulted in the show dragging on till past midnight.

Although, party leaders denied that they were campaigning, their speeches made it obvious they had began coaxing voters for support.

Najib first PM to visit Hulu Bernam

BN was not far behind, with MIC president S Samy Vellu making a modest visit to KKB on Monday, to meet with the party division.

MIC is had been trying to convince the coalition leaders to nominate its deputy president G Palanivel for the seat, who lost the fight for it in the 2008 general election.

Newly-minted MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek, also showed up in the constituency when he visited the party Hulu Selangor division in Batang Kali on Wednesday and advised its members to support the Barisan candidate.

muhyiddin yasin muhyiddin yassin Today, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (right) is expected to visit Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor in Batang Kali and join the constituents in a prayer session at Masjid Kampung Sentosa Batang Kali.

In addition Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is expected to show up at Hulu Bernam and KKB tomorrow in a meet and greet session.

Najib will be the first premier to visit the quiet semi-rural area.

The past nine by-elections in the past two years were all on weekdays, and seven were bagged by Pakatan.

But from the looks of it the BN machinery is hopeful of beating the odds and snatching the seat from Pakatan, as the polls has been slotted for a Sunday.