GUA MUSANG: With only four days remaining until the Nenggiri state by-election, Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pas are intensifying their final campaign efforts.
They have ramped up their presence with flags and decorations dotting the constituency, and supporters are busy sprucing up community halls and party posts.
The by-election, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to be fiercely contested between BN's candidate, Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, and Bersatu's Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, with both candidates reportedly enjoying a similar level of support.
Many Nenggiri voters believe Azmawi has a slight edge in the race, which will be the ninth by-election since the 15th General Election.
Zulkarnain Ibrahim, a 51-year-old odd-job worker and father of three, expressed his confidence in Azmawi's prospects.
"There is no doubt it will be a tough battle this Saturday," Ibrahim said.
"Mohd Rizwadi is well-known in Bertam Lama and among the locals. However, Azmawi also has a strong connection with the community and a good reputation as a leader who can handle responsibilities well."
Self-employed Mohd Nazrin Saat, 53, said that there was the contentious nature of the campaign, where both parties levelled accusations against each other.
"The constant attacks and counter attacks aren't helpful.
"Voters want to know what each candidate will do for them, not just hear about the negatives," he said.
Campaigning began immediately after nominations on Aug 3, with both BN and PN highlighting issues like land grants and illegal logging.
The Nenggiri by-election will see 20,259 electors across 20 polling centres with 46 voting streams.
It was called after Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah declared the seat, previously held by Mohd Azizi Abu Naim vacant.
Mohd Azizi, who is also the Gua Musang member of Parliament, was among the seven elected representatives dismissed from Bersatu for supporting the unity government.
In the Kelantan state election held in August last year, Mohd Azizi won Nenggiri with a narrow majority of 810 votes in a straight fight against a BN candidate.
The Election Commission (EC) has set nomination for the state by-election tomorrow with the polling day on Aug 17.