Penanti waits for excitement

(NST) BUKIT MERTAJAM: Nomination day for the Penanti by-election is around the corner but unlike other by-elections, there is a lack of excitement in the constituency.

Except for Parti Keadilan Rakyat flags raised at the party headquarters in Penanti and near the Kubang Semang mosque, no other campaign materials have made their appearance.

However, more activity is expected after nomination day on Saturday as PKR leaders are expected to begin their campaign with a rally on Friday.

Those running food and beverage stalls here said they looked forward to the carnival-like atmosphere to return to the area although they know it would be on a smaller scale compared with the Permatang Pauh by-election last year.

Saiful Azri Ahmad, 24, who operates a juice stall said he is praying for brisk business during the campaign period.

"It would have been merrier if Barisan Nasional was contesting," he said.

Mohd Md Nor, 52, from Mengkuang Titi, said the BN decision to stay away was a blessing in disguise for the Penanti voters and people.

"From one perspective, we will miss all the by-election hype but from another point of view, we think that there has been one too many by-elections here since the general election last year," he said.

The Penanti by-election is being held after Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin quit as assemblyman, soon after relinquishing his post as the deputy chief minister I and executive council member last month.

PKR has named its state liaison committee deputy chairman Mansor Othman as its candidate. The Election Commission has set May 31 for polling.