Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia:
There were scenes of confusions and chaos at the Port Dickson Community Hall, in the state of Negri Sembilan,Malaysia, this morning.
This hall is the nomination center for the by-election for the state seat of N.13 Bagan Pinang. This is in the state of Negri Sembilan, one of the fourteen states that made up the federation of Malaysia.
This time around the ruling National Front Coalition or the BN’s candidate,Isa Samad, is up against the Dr Zulkifly of PAS or Islamic Party Of Malaysia.
One federal Minister in charge of Internal Trade and Consumer Welfare, Ahmad Shabery was punched by supporters of the opposition candidate. Another prominent member of the Central Working Committee Abdul Azeez Rahim was also assaulted in the face and had to seek medical attention.
According to several political pundits here, the Opposition front is increasingly under pressure due to a number of reasons. One of them is the incoming trial of their adviser, Anwar Ibrahim which many Malaysians believed that he had little chance of getting away a free man.
The opposition is fractious and not easy to wield together. Anwar is the only factor that can chart their next round of struggle against an increasingly rejuvenated National Front or BN.
At the nomination center this morning the process of vetting the candidates by the Election Commission went on smoothly and lasted only for a few hours.
There were scenes of openness though as the respective candidates and their assistants shook hands and introduced each other.
However, what transpired outside the building was the complete opposite of the order and calm inside. There were shoutings and jostling along the way to the Community Hall. Several Federal Minister were taunted by supporters of the Opposition.
Despite all that confusion. the Police and their increasing numbers were able to control the situation and prevent any untoward incident.
The nomination process came to the end at twelfth noon. The returning officer, who is also the District Officer, then announced that there will a straight fight between Isa Samad, representing BN and Dr Zulkifly Othman representing PAS.