THE Rantau by-election will see a four-cornered fight, but Barisan Nasional’s Mohamad Hasan and Pakatan Harapan’s Dr S. Streram are expected to be the firm favourites to capture the state seat. 

Two independent candidates – Malar Rajaram and Mohd Nor Yassin – have thrown their hats into the ring. 

All four filed their nomination papers this morning at SJK(C) Bandar Seri Sendayan in Seremban. 

A number of high-profile figures from the government and opposition turned up to support their respective candidates. 

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa turned up to support Dr Streram.

The PAS-Umno alliance saw PAS leaders, including secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, vice-president Idris Ahmad and Terengganu Mentri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, all showing their support for Mohamad, a former Negri Sembilan menteri besar popularly known as “Tok Mat”.

BN leaders present included Umno’s Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA president Dr Wee Ka Siong and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin. 

The candidates earlier drew lots to determine the order that their names will appear on the ballot paper on April 13. BN’s Tok Mat’s name will appear first, followed by Malar, Nor and Dr Streram.

About 500 BN and PAS supporters gathered outside the school as early as 7.30am in a sea of BN blue dotted with PAS green. 

Pakatan Harapan supporters followed Dr Streram to the nomination centre and had also swelled to about 500 supporters. 

Both supporters were separated by police barricades and a shouting match ensued around mid morning between the two sets of supporters. 

The BN supporters were heard chanting “Anjing, Anjing, Pakatan Harapan” (dogs, dogs, Pakatan Harapan) and “ Hidup Tok Mat” (long live Tok Mat). 

The PH faithful retorted with chants of “Reformasi”. 

Police Light Strike Force personnel had to ask BN and PH supporters to back off as they inched towards each other despite being about 100m apart.

The returning officer announced the four candidates vying for the seat at 10.30am. 

Tok Mat and Dr Streram were met with loud cheers when their names were announced. 

No candidates were rejected by the Election Commission. – March 30, 2019.