The election campaign has yet to start, but the spotlight is already on candidates and election officials (and occasionally journalists). Malaysiakini's News Roundup picks out anecdotes on the lighter side of the elections, as reported in Chinese and Malay dailies.


Khir Toyo upset over 'hair-dyeing' speculation

The opposition is suggesting that Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, 38, has dyed his hair grey and is speaking in a lower tone in order to look and sound more mature, all the better to win the confidence of senior voters. Questioned by journalists, he said cryptically: "I am who I am. However, it could be possible that due to stress over the years, my hair has turned grey. As for my voice, perhaps it has changed because I've had to make frequent speeches ever since I became Menteri Besar." - Sin Chew Daily


'Power is like drinking wine'

DAP incumbent member of Parliament for Kepong, Dr Tan Seng Giaw, has resorted to medical science to induce voters to swing their support behind opposition parliamentarians. He said: "Power is like drinking wine. Two glasses are good for your heart. What if you drink 10 glasses? Not only is it bad for the heart, but also makes you lose your head and do anything as you fancy. Hence the importance of denying the two-thirds majority of the Barisan Nasional." - Sin Chew Daily


DAP candidates 'stealing women's hearts'

DAP supporters have been seen distributing carnations to women passers-by in several places in conjunction with International Women's Day today, in the hope of increasing 'rockette' power. Women make up more than 50% of the electorate. - Nanyang Siang Pau


EC secretary enters Malaysian Book of Records

Election Commission secretary Wan Ahmad Wan Omar is believed to have entered the Malaysian Book of Records for signing 5,245 documents in 12 hours. As the administrator of the commission, he signed documents related to notices for the upcoming elections from 3pm on March 6 up to 3am the next day. - Utusan Malaysia


'No invitation' for feast

Selangor Menteri Besar and Umno Selangor publicity chief Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, has criticised Malaysian Ulama Society head Abdul Ghani Shamsuddin for attending a feast in Sungai Besar without and invitation. The latter expected to contest in the area on a PAS ticket. - Berita Harian


Walk a mile....shoeless

A Berita Harian journalist said he lost his Camel-brand leather shoes while attending a press conference held by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang at the party headquarters and training centre last night. The reporter claimed that only other journalists and photographers were present. - Berita Harian