BANNERS have appeared in Rantau, urging constituents not to vote for “keling” candidate Dr S. Streram.

The banners feature a photo of the Pakatan Harapan man and the words “Jangan Undi Keling” (Don’t vote for a keling), using a derogatory term for Indians.

Also on the banners is a crossed box next to the Barisan Nasional logo, as on a marked ballot paper.

BN candidate Mohamad Hasan denied that the banners are the pact’s work, and pinned blame on Dr Streram’s PKR.

It is a reverse psychology tactic, said the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar.

Dr Streram is lodging a report on the banners at the Rantau police station.

The banners state in the Minangkabau dialect: “Don’t vote for a keling. This customary land is our land. Don’t give him power. Rise, Negri Malays. Let’s crush him. Prove we are true Rantau folk.”

The banners have been spotted in at least three places, namely bus stops.

Mohamad took aim at PH component PKR over its “psychological warfare”.

“This is provocation by them. This is how they engage in psychological warfare.”

He said it does not make sense for him to do such a thing as he is confident of securing 90% of the Malay vote.

“It would be stupid of me to do this. I already have 90% of the Malay vote. Now, I’m trying to secure the Indian vote.”

He added that it is strange the banners are in the Minangkabau dialect as the group does not have a presence in Rantau, whose Malay residents are mostly of Bugis descent.

The state seat comprises 55% Malays, 26% Indians and 18.5% Chinese.

The April 13 by-election is a four-way fight between Dr Streram, Mohamad, and independents R. Malarvizhi and Mohd Nor Yassin. – April 6, 2019.