More PKR than police in Penanti

The Malaysian Insider) – PENANTI: With Barisan Nasional out of the picture, Parti KeAdilan Rakyat (PKR) took premium space in Penanti as supporters and flags crowded the road to the nomination centre.

PKR candidate Dr Mansor Othman was accompanied by Pakatan Rakyat leaders as he made his way to the nomination centre just before 8am.

Police presence was limited to 150 personnel, who blocked the road to the nomination centre at a youth complex here.

About 50 makeshift stalls lined the road hoping for a windfall from the by-election called when incumbent Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin quit the seat last month.

Mansor is expected to face up to three independent candidates while the Barisan Nasional opted out, saying the vacancy was caused by flippant reasons.

This is the sixth by-election since Election 2008. Barisan Nasional has not won in any of the four previous by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia, only winning in Batang Ai in Sarawak.

Independent candidate Aminah Abdullah told reporters outside the nomination centre that she is contesting for justice and truth and that she left PKR because it has lost its way.

The ex-leader of Penang PKR Wanita arrived with eight family members as supporters.

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