Sg Limau polls more about Mukhriz vs Azizan

ANALYSIS A large poster of former Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak, smiling demurely, was prominent in the background as Pakatan Rakyat yesterday launched its Sungai Limau by-election operation room in Batu 17, Sedaka.

Azizan’s death on Sept 26 paved the way for polls on Nov 4 - but with PAS leaders continuing to sing his praises, voters might be forgiven for thinking that he is the party’s candidate in the contest.

Neither of the two candidates are seen as prominent, controversial or colourful personalities.

PAS' Mohd Azam Samat , 37, a local boy with ulama ties, is facing BN's Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim, 52, a former university lecturer.

On the BN side, all eyes are on Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir and whether his leadership can bring about a change in Sungai Limau, which was held by Azizan for five terms since 1995.

Mukhriz’s clarion call - ‘Berani Berubah’ (dare to change) - a slogan he used to recapture Kedah from PAS in the 13th general election - is being recycled for use as the BN theme for Sungai Limau.

PAS' one word slogan is ‘Kekal’ (Maintain) is easy to remember and is most meaningful, said election director Mahfuz Omar, because voters who gave Azizan his victory on May 5 would want his memory kept intact as well.

The filing of nominations began at 9am today, although both sides began ‘campaigning’ informally earlier, even if this is prohibited by election rules.

The BN has also started rolling out election goodies, with Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan announcing RM1.2 million in additional funds to "improve the well-being" of constituents.

Abdul Rahman, who was in Sungai Limau yesterday, said the money is for upgrading infrastructure such as roads, drainage and other public facilities in the Yan district.

After today, more government department heads are expected to make their way to Sungai Limau to announce contributions over the next 12 days.

While BN is calling for a "mindful and well-mannered” campaign, PAS has cautioned its supporters and the media not to provoke the BN candidate or indulge in mud-slinging.

Different strategies

Since Monday, the BN has been reaching out to voters by reminding them that Umno's ultimate struggle - for the ummah - is similar to that of PAS.

It has claimed that, despite political differences, the two parties have co-existed harmoniously with their brothers and sisters in Islam.

However, this approach is not being reciprocated by PAS and its allies who have been attacking Umno and the BN-led federal government on a wide range of national issues which have struck the nation's psyche.

Among these are examples of leakage and extravagance in the civil service, as highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report 2012.

Even the story of Altantuya Shaariibuu's gruesome death, six years ago on Oct 20, 2006, has found its way into this tiny constituency of about 26,000 voters.

It will be interesting to see if Mukhriz, with his agenda for change, can dispel the long-held memories of Azizan, and if the campaign for the hearts of voters will be clean and fair.

SUSAN LOONE is a member of the Malaysiakini team.