My trip to Permatang Pauh............

Made a trip to Permatang Pauh early in the morning in the hope to be part of the crowd witnessing the nomination process for those hopeful candidates that are eyeing for this hot seat,in what many dubbed as the "mother of all elections"



To my horror,I was caught in a 7 km long traffic jam along the Baling-Kulim Expressway(BSE). Traffic hardly moved as people started double park along the highway. We parked along the BK expressway, and I managed to hopped on a motorbike then walk another 1.5 km to be closer to the nomination center. The crowds were huge everywhere I went, mostly party supporters and curious onlookers too supposed to be between 80,000 to 100,000.





All roads leading to the nomination center were blocked by police personnels. Only a certain number of supporters were allowed to enter the Institute Perguruan Tuanku Bainun compound where the nomination process took placed. From my observation the BN supporters were outnumbered by Pakatan Rakyat supporters by 3 to 1. The mood was tense but lively,and patriotic songs were played around, probably to ease the tense atmosphere around. However, there was a carnival like feeling in the air.





Makchik and pakchik who operates food and beverage 'gerai' along the roads leading to the nomination were making brisk business. The FRU units were on alert to quell any untoward commotions.



Uniformed, police squad,SBs and FRU unit seems to be all over the place. The weather was too hot,yet people from all walks of life came from near and far to support their candidates.

Saya tanya sebilangan besar orang yang berada berdekatan dengan saya tentang siapa bakal menang pilihanraya kecil ini. Rata-rata mendoa agar Anwar Ibrahim akan berjaya. Bila saya berkata apakah sumpah lakhnat yang dibuat Saiful boleh menjejaskan peluang Anwar Ibrahim? Ada yang bertanya balik kepada saya,"pasai apa dia melakukan sumpah sehari sebelum penamaan calon?,bukankah ini satu agenda politik gomen atau agenda politik UMNO?"


Tentang majoriti yang akan diperolehi Anwar Ibrahim, ada yang berpendapat Anwar akan menang dengan majoriti besar, tetapi ada yang berpendapat mungkin majoriti turun kerana hari mengundi dibuat pada hari kerja,daftar pengundi dipalit dengan undi hantu dan juga kemampuan UMNO/BN menabur janji-janji pembangunan serta menghulurkan wang ringgit dan barang-barang keperluan harian secara percuma bermula kelmarin. Ada pula berkata,tak kiralah berapa Anwar dapat,walaupun dengan lebih satu undi, Anwar tetap menang dan kami mahu Anwar berada di parlimen.

Saya bertanya pula tentang prestasi calon BN, Arif Shah. Ada yang menjawab,mungkin Arif Shah lebih terkenal di Seberang Jaya tetapi bukan di Permatang Pasir atau Penanti. "Awat di sini tak ada calon yang berwibawakah?" kata mereka. Menurut mereka, "Arif Shah sudah menjadi YB bagi Seberang Jaya, salahkah kami kalau kami nak bubuh Anwar di parlimen?

Just got home and after walking for more than 5 km, I am too tired to do anything more......need to take a good rest.

cheers.