CAMPAIGN COLOURS SPLASH ACROSS SUNGAI BAKAP AHEAD OF POLLS

NIBONG TEBAL, June 23 (Bernama) -- The lively atmosphere of the election is palpable in the Sungai Bakap state constituency as campaign machinery from both contesting parties intensify their efforts by putting up flags, posters, and banners of their candidates for the upcoming by-election.

The flag war between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) is in full swing, with red PH and blue PN flags seen filling up various areas.

A Bernama survey around Sungai Kechil, Sungai Duri, and the surrounding areas found that PH flags and posters featuring the Unity Government candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin were prominently displayed, particularly on billboards and banners at strategic locations like junctions and party operation rooms.

These tasks are being carried out by dedicated party supporters and campaign workers, often referred to as the 'flag team’, who are crucial in driving the campaign for their candidates.

One member of the PH machinery involved in putting up the flags, Ahmad Norbi, 73, said that his team had been briefed to ensure that the flags and banners do not pose any hazard, especially to motorcyclists.

Meanwhile, the operation centres and campaign rooms for both PH and PN were bustling with activity as campaign machinery from across the state gathered to support the local campaign efforts.

The Election Commission (EC) has set a 14-day campaign period from yesterday until 11.59 pm on July 5.

Joohari is being challenged by PAS Nibong Tebal vice chairman Abidin Ismail as the PN candidate, in a one-on-one contest for the Sungai Bakap seat on July 6.

The seat for the constituency, which has 39,279 registered voters, including 57 police personnel, fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

Sungai Bakap is one of the three state seats under the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency.

-- BERNAMA