GE14 | For many urban folk, the election season means one mega ceramah after another. However, such events have been noticeably less during the 14th general election, leaving many wondering why this campaign period has been a slow one.

But away from the media spotlight, on dirt roads and unlit streets, an all-out battle is taking place in the Malay and rural heartland.

In these areas, campaigning means old-fashioned canvassing or ceramah kelompok (group ceramah), which can be gruelling for candidates with limited resources.

For decades, BN, with its deep roots in these areas, has been the dominant force but it is now being challenged by Harapan on its own turf.

Bersatu, PKR and Amanah have taken the battle to BN in these areas, which will be instrumental in deciding whether the oft-repeated "Malay tsunami" against the ruling coalition can be generated.

DAP, which can do little in the Malay heartland, has been left to hold the fort in urban centres as it continues to hold mega ceramah sessions in those areas...