Making connections: Mohamad Haizan (top photo, left) visiting voters at their homes in Kluang, — Bernama
KLUANG: Other than politics , the two contestants for the Mahkota state seat are also fierce rivals on the English Premier League (EPL) front.
Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, 40, is an ardent supporter of Arsenal FC while his Perikatan Nasional opponent Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, 61, is a diehard Liverpool FC fan.
After four matches so far in the new EPL season, Syed Hussein has the slight “edge” with Arsenal in second place on 10 points and Liverpool in fourth spot with nine points.
And as the English football season picks up pace, things are also beginning to heat up in the battle for Mahkota, with both sides doing all they can to pip each other.
Mohamad Haizan, himself a former footballer who played for the state teams of Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan, said just like on the pitch, he would have to go the distance to prevail in the by-election.
Making connections: Mohamad Haizan (top photo, left) visiting voters at their homes in Kluang, — Bernama
“I have always been inspired by Liverpool and my favourite local football team, JDT (Johor Darul Ta’zim).
“When it comes to the Reds, my favourite player of all time is Graeme Souness. He is a true legend,” the ex-midfielder said of the player who used to rule the middle of the park in his heyday for Liverpool.
Mohamad Haizan, who was met on the campaign trail at Kampung Melayu on Monday, said with campaigning taking precedence, he had to give up watching EPL matches, which were usually late at night.
“Although my schedule is packed, I still keep track of the results, especially involving Liverpool.
“One thing is certain, campaigning is much more tiring than playing football! A football match lasts 90 minutes, but the election campaign is over two weeks,” he said.
The much-younger Syed Hussien refused to be “outplayed” by his experienced opponent, saying he planned to live up to the dynamism of Arsenal, which is known by its iconic nickname, The Gunners.
“They play fast attacking football, which is Arsenal’s philosophy. It is this which made me support the north London club,” said Syed Hussien, who named ex-Arsenal greats Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie as among his idols.
The Mahkota state seat by-election is a straight contest between Barisan and Perikatan.
Syed Hussien is the Kluang Umno Youth chief while Mohamad Haizan is a Kluang Bersatu committee member.
The seat became vacant following the death of assemblywoman Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.
According to the Election Commission, the electoral roll for the by-election consists of 61,397 ordinary voters, 401 police personnel, 4,510 military personnel and their spouses, and 10 absentee voters abroad.
Early voting is scheduled for Sept 24, involving three centres with 11 stations. Polling on Sept 28 will see 20 centres and 109 voting stations in play.
