BN's Islamic push in Bagan Pinang is final thrust

For the first time, Barisan Nasional and Umno have unveiled a new billboard today portraying its president and Prime Minister, Najib Abdul Razak and his wife visiting an ailing Kelantan Menteri Besar, Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, to show his Islamic side.

More than seven such billboards have been erected along the Port Dickson-Teluk Kemang main road today, showing Najib, a glum looking Rosmah Mansor and Kelantan Umno liason chief Mustapa Mohamed visiting the PAS spiritual leader who is on a hospital bed.

The picture was believed to have been taken some time in July 2004 when Najib was the Deputy Prime Minister, after Nik Aziz was warded at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian, following a heart ailment.

The funny thing is that the picture, which was posted in the Utusan Malaysia archive, had been taken by Bernama.

This raises questions on whether BN had paid Bernama for the use of the picture for its campaign material or BN is abusing the government agency to put up the picture?

Next to the picture is the favourite tagline of 1Malaysia and with the image of Bagan Pinang candidate, Isa Samad with a caption, ‘Vote for BN'.

Below it, part of a hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) has been quoted which says: "Ciri-ciri mukmin yang sejati ialah menghormati tetangganya, menyambungkan tali persaudaraan dan memiliki keprihatinan terhadap penderitaan yang dirasakan oleh saudara sekitarnya."

(The character of a true Muslim is respecting their neighbour, and fostering good ties with one another and having concern for the hardship (calamity) that is felt by the community.

Last ditch effort?

This billboard campaign is seen as BN's final tactic to show the softer side of its leaders.

The soft approach adopted by Umno and BN is directed at the hearts and minds of the 13,000 plus voters in Bagan Pinang to portray the the caring and Islamic nature of their leaders in the critical ninth by-election which would determine the ruling coalition's fortunes.

Or, some may see it as hitting out at the affable and popular Kelantan menteri besar, who was recently attacked by politicians from within and outside Kelantan for not bringing much development to the East Coast state.

Meanwhile, Low Chia Ming reports that DAP state chief Anthony Loke announced today that the DAP will continue to put up its campaign banners despite a prohibition order from the Election Commission.

The banners, which touched on controversial issues like Isa's suspension for money politics, the sudden death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, and A Kugan's death in political custody, were taken down by the EC yesterday afternoon with the help of about 50 light strike force and police personnel present.

Loke said in a press conference today that the DAP will never surrender to the EC and will continue to put up such banners.

"The DAP has prepared at least 30 banners, which we will be putting up in Bagan Pinang by tonight. We will continue to defy the EC's order and will continue to put up the banners and billboards," said Loke.

Isa, the former long serving Negri Sembilan MB is contesting against State PAS commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar and polling is set for Sunday.

Today more than 4,000 postal voters began casting their votes.