VOTING in the Rantau by-election kicked off today as voters head to the polls to choose their assemblyman, ending two weeks of intense campaigning in the usually sleepy Negri Sembilan town

The four-cornered fight will come down to a battle between Barisan Nasional’s Mohamad Hasan and Pakatan Harapan’s Dr S. Streram.

Two independent candidates R. Malarvizhi and Mohd Nor Yassin stand little to no chance of clinching the seat.

Mohamad, or Tok Mat as he is affectionately known, is Rantau’s own son and is the clear favourite to retain the seat as he has been its incumbent for three terms and also served as the menteri besar for the past 15 years.

However, Streram, a relative outsider in Rantau, is hoping to spoil the party for Tok Mat as he seeks redemption for his disqualification in the 14th general election.

The by-election was called after the election court nullified the GE14 results following a petition by Streram against the move by a returning office to block the 60-year-old anaesthetist from filing his nomination papers last May.

Mohamad, who is also acting Umno president, won the seat by a walkover.

Many analysts have surmised that Mohamad is placing his faith on the people’s appreciation and recognition of his contributions during his years as MB and assemblyman.

Mohamad has also consistently attacked the rising cost of living and hardships the B40 group has been facing under 10 months of Pakatan Harapan.

Meanwhile, Streram has promised to solve the issues that have plagued the area for years, such as a lack of job opportunities, housing issues and public transport.

There are 20,926 registered voters in Rantau, including 118 early voters and four absentee voters.

Of the 20,926 voters in Rantau, Malays comprise 55.11% or 11,283, Chinese (18.8% or 3,849) and Indians (26.06% or 5,336). 

Polling opened at 8am and will close at 5.30pm. – April 13, 2019.