Bersatu's latest high-profile recruit Wan Saiful Wan Jan kickstarted the party's campaign for Titiwangsa yesterday, adding more weight to speculation that he was likely to be fielded there.

Flanked by about 10 Pakatan Harapan youth members, Wan Saiful toured the Kampung Pandan night market for about an hour, leafleting and explaining the coalition's policies to anyone who would listen. 

Wan Saiful was careful not to introduce himself as a candidate to petty traders and shoppers that he approached.

"This is Harapan’s manifesto, our promises. You know whom to vote right?" was his usual refrain.

Although some would field Wan Saiful and his team questions, there were those who refused the leaflets outright. 

He told Malaysiakini later that rejection was to be expected during a campaign, but feedback from the night market patrons and traders revealed that the chief grouse was the slowing economy. 

"A petty trader who sold headscarfs told me he was forced to sell vegetables now, due to lack of buying power.

"And, the crowds have reduced as compared to before," he said.

Wan Saiful refused to confirm if his walkabout was linked to his candidacy for Titiwangsa.

"Titiwangsa is a focal seat of Bersatu, hence, it is our responsibility to assist in the campaign here regardless of who the candidate is," he said.

Bersatu has several potential "giant slayers" in its stable who could be fielded in Titiwangsa, he said. 

The Titiwangsa incumbent is Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, who scrapped through by winning just 866 votes in the last general election in a straight fight against a PAS candidate. 

Located in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, Titiwangsa previously fell into the hands of the opposition in 2008. A tight contest is expected yet again in the upcoming polls.