BAHAU: A sea of blue, red and green swept across Negri Sembilan yesterday as thousands of supporters converged on nomination centres, putting on a colourful show of political strength ahead of the Aug 1 state election.
Returning officers officially opened nominations at 9am at centres across the state before declaring the process closed an hour later.
From Port Dickson to Jelebu, Seremban and Rembau, party flags fluttered above chanting supporters as police maintained a heavy presence to ensure the nomination process proceeded smoothly.
In Port Dickson, supporters began gathering outside the district administration building as early as 8am before caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun arrived to greet Pakatan Harapan supporters.
Pakatan candidates then marched to the nomination centre accompanied by party leaders, including PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shaari and DAP vice-chairman Hannah Yeoh.
Perikatan Nasional supporters soon filled the surrounding streets before their candidates arrived with coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
Barisan Nasional supporters followed shortly afterwards, lining the route and waving blue flags as their candidates made their way into the nomination centre.
At the Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Seremban nomination centre, traffic slowed to a crawl as large numbers of Pakatan supporters gathered while police cordoned off the area.
Barisan and Bersatu supporters occupied separate sections outside the venue, periodically exchanging party slogans across the road. Despite the spirited rivalry, the atmosphere remained peaceful.
Before entering the nomination centre, Barisan supporters paused to recite prayers.
Among those mingling with the crowd were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, state MCA chief Datuk Leaw Kok Chan and former Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
In Rembau, the mood took on a festive air as a lion dance troupe led Barisan’s procession.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi accompanied his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is seeking a sixth consecutive term in Rantau.
Nearby, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man addressed supporters while stalls selling Perikatan flags, shirts and other campaign merchandise did brisk business outside the nomination centre.
In Jelebu, supporters packed the area outside Dewan Besar Kuala Klawang as DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke joined other Pakatan leaders before filing nomination papers.
Across the road, Barisan supporters rallied behind Negri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, joined by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and other coalition leaders.
Despite the large crowds, competing chants and visible displays of political strength, the nomination process concluded without incident, setting the stage for a two-week campaign before voters cast their ballots on Aug 1.
