Astrologers have given their blessings for the date - March 21 - chosen for the country's 11th general election, according to a report today.

The experts told Bernama that apart from the polling date, the nomination date March 13 was also auspicious.

"It is a good month and a good time to start anything," said astrophycisist Dr Mohd Zamri Zainuddin, a professor with the University of Malaya's Physics Department.

He pointed out that the election campaign took place during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The new moon will be observed on March 21 and the month of Safar begins on March 22.

"It is good to have the election before the month of Safar," he said, adding that Safar was an inauspicious month.

Truth will prevail

Also giving the thumbs up for the date was Hindu astrologer K Shanmugavel. "March 13, a Saturday, was a good day to start anything".

He said according to Hindu numerology, the digits 1 and 3 also add up to 4, a good number for legal matters and discussions.

"And March 21, a Sunday, whose digits 1 and 2 add up to 3, is a good day for making decisions," he added.

Explaining further, he said since the day came under the planet Jupiter, wise decisions would be made on that day: "Truth and faith will prevail."

He added that the nine-day campaign period is also a good number because the Hindu cycle of luck and prosperity is nine - with nine planets and nine numbers.

Good for BN

The dates also got the thumbs up from Fengshui master and astrologer David Koh, who described them as "excellent dates, good for both the general public and the ruling party."

He said both dates were appropriate for ceremonies, including engagements and marriages.

He added that the year and the month were in the "producing and supporting" cycle while election day was under guardian angels and a good day to travel.

Fish and sleep

In another development, independent candidate for the Kota Raja parliamentary seat in Selangor T Krisnasami said he chose the fish as his symbol because it never sleeps.

"On nomination day I was asked to pick a symbol from the 20 symbols approved by the Election Commission.

"I decided to pick the fish as my symbol because the fish is always alert and does not sleep," added the candidate, who will also contest the state seat of Sri Muda.

"If I am elected I will serve my constituents without falling asleep on my responsibilities," he added.