GEORGE TOWN – A couple of Penang PKR leaders are set for a tough battle in the 15th general election (GE15) after nominations closed earlier today.
All 13 parliamentary seats in Penang are set to witness multi-cornered fights.
In Balik Pulau, state PKR leader Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik is caught in a six-cornered fight with two strong challengers in former Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Shah from Barisan Nasional (BN), and independent candidate Datuk Seri Sabaruddin Ahmad, a businessman contesting on his own accord.
Bakhtiar, who is defending the seat, also has to deal with Harris Idaham Rashid from Perikatan Nasional (PN), independent Datuk Seri Johnny Ch’ng Ewe Gee and Fazli Mohammad from Pejuang.
Another tough battle is expected in Bayan Baru, where incumbent Sim Tze Tzin also faces a six-cornered fight.
Sim will be battling it out with former DAP comrade Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun (Warisan), Penang Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong (PN), Saw Yee Fung (BN), and independent Kan Chee Yuen, an alumnus of St Xavier’s Institution.
Sim is also up against social activist Ravinder Singh from Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), who, at 80, is the oldest candidate in Penang in the 15th general election.
In Permatang Pauh, Penang PKR chief Nurul Izzah Anwar faces BN’s Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said, who is making a second attempt at the seat; Muhammad Fawwaz Mat Jan (PN); and Mohd Nasir Othman (Pejuang).
Wanita PKR chief Fadlina Sidek is also trying to regain one of the PH’s seats in Nibong Tebal, which was lost when its incumbent Datuk Mansor Othman defected to PN.
Mansor is set to defend his seat as a PN candidate despite reports of poor health earlier.
BN has fielded Malaysia Makkal Sakthi party president Datuk M. Thanenthiran, a restaurateur. Independent candidate Goh Kheng Huat is also contesting the seat.
In the Umno stronghold of Kelapa Batas, its incumbent Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican seems to be in a strong position for the third term against challengers Muda’s Danial Abdul Majeed, PN’s Mastura Mohamad and Pejuang’s Hamidi Abu Hassan.
In Tasek Gelugor, the battle for a key Malay seat sees PN’s Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan going up against state opposition leader Datuk Muhammad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN).
The duo will also have for company Abdul Halim Mohd (Pejuang), Razak Ridzuan (PH), and Akmal Azhar (Warisan).
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow takes on Lee Ah Leong (PRM), Tan Lee Huat (BN), Wong Chia Zhen (PN) and former two-term PKR assemblyman Ong Chin Wen (Warisan).
In Jelutong, PH incumbent, R.S.N. Rayer is also involved in a six-cornered contest.
He is up against Datuk Baljit Singh (PN), Koh Swee Yong (PRM), regular independent candidate Yacoob Noor, Datuk T. Loganathan (BN) and Martin Lim Huat Poh (Warisan).
Lim is also the second Xaverian alumnus to contest in the general election here.
In Bukit Gelugor, PH incumbent Ramkarpal Singh Deo is up against P. Thinaganarabhan (PN) and Wong Chin Chong (BN).
In Tanjong, the daughter of DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Lim Hui Ying (PH) is up against Tan Kim Nee (BN) and H’ng Khoon Leng (PN).
Hui Ying’s brother and DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng (PH) is up against Alan Oh (PN), Tan Chuan Hong (BN) and M. Hafiz (Pejuang).
Meanwhile, in Bukit Mertajam, incumbent Steven Sim Chee Keong (PH) is facing off against Steven Koh (PN) and Tan Yang Pang (BN).
In Bukit Bendera, PH’s Syerleena Abdul Rashid is up against her former comrade Teh Yee Cheu (PRM), H’ng Chee Wey (PN), Richie Huan Xin Yun (BN) and independent candidate Razalif Zain. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022
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