A colourful selection of candidates in the running

PORT DICKSON: From a former mentri besar and political newbie to a sunglasses-wearing MGR fan, the independents contesting in the Port Dickson by-election won’t let themselves be eclipsed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister-in-waiting.

Tan Sri Isa Samad, who quit Umno last Tuesday, said he decided to contest because Port Dickson was his hometown.

“This is my base. The seat is vacant and Umno has decided not to contest. So I take this opportunity to stand as a local,” he said when met after filing his nomination papers yesterday.

The former Negri Sembilan mentri besar for 22 years also expressed confidence that some Umno members and locals would support him in the Oct 13 polls.

“I think the ordinary people, non-party members, will also support me.”

Isa also said he would consider rejoining Umno after the by-election.

Political newcomer Lau Sek Yan said she wanted to send a message to mainstream politicians that she was representing the voice of the people.

“I do not represent any party but will put the interest of the people and the country first.

“There is no ulterior motive behind my decision to contest,” said the 51-year-old from Seremban.

Lau, a former lecturer in marketing and management at Inti University, said she would engage with the locals to find out their visions and hopes for Port Dickson.

Another hopeful A. Rajendra criticised Pakatan Harapan supporters for blocking the entrance to the nomination centre.

Clad in dark glasses, a hat design made famous by Indian actor MGR, a red shirt and veshti or traditional Indian men’s garment, the 50-year-old Penangite only managed to get in minutes before the nomination closed.

“I was already here since 8.30am but could not enter as the entrance was blocked.

“I decided to contest because I do not want a person convicted of sodomy to be our leader one day.

“There are many others who can be Prime Minister,” he said.

But Rajendra’s failed to clear the first hurdle when his papers were rejected as his proposer was not a registered voter here.

The by-election was triggered after its MP Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah decided to vacate the seat to make way for Anwar to return to Parliament.