Seats to watch

PARTY LEADERS

1. P41 Kepala Batas (Penang): Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (BN-Umno) vs Subri Mat Arshad (PAS)
Purely an academic exercise, with Abdullah still very much in control of party and state affairs.
This is a Malay-dominant seat which the prime minister won with a 18,122-vote majority in 2004.
If anything, watch the margin.

2. P85 Pekan (Pahang): Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (BN-Umno) vs Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin (PKR)
Another token fight, this time from a PKR unknown. Also another hugely Malay-dominant seat which
deputy prime minister Najib last won with a 22,922-vote majority. Expect a slaying at the hands of the
Barisan Nasional national election director.

3. P163 Kulai (Johor): Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-MCA) vs Ng Pak Siong (DAP)
This is a new seat for the MCA president who moved from Tanjung Piai, also in Johor.
The Chinese community make up 60% of the voters here, whereas his last seat was Malay-dominant.
With the DAP whipping up a wave of resentment against the BN and MCA, plus unhappiness among some
of the incumbents dropped, all eyes will be on this seat.

4. P46 Batu Kawan (Penang): Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon (BN-Gerakan) vs Prof Ramasamy (DAP)
This is Koh’s acid test as Gerakan leader, after the retirement of charismatic Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik.
And what a test he is facing in Penang, with the DAP-PKR-PAS tag team attracting big ceramah crowds.
Koh is moving on to a federal post, and the race for the Penang CM post is hot. Don’t miss out on the excitement here.

5. P62 Sungai Siput (Perak): Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu (BN-MIC) vs Dr D.Jeyakumar (PKR) and Nor Rizan Oon (Ind)
The MIC supremo is going for his ninth term here, but the going has been rough. Samy Vellu has been marked by
the Hindraf people who blame him for the problems of the Indians. It remains to be seen whether the anger of the
Indians has been soothed by promises made by the prime minister and other leaders to uplift the community.
A must-watch on Saturday night.

6. P64 Ipoh Timur (Perak): Lim Kit Siang (DAP) vs Liew Mun Hon (BN-MCA)
The DAP stalwart is again leading the charge in the Kinta Valley, supremely confident that his party will do well.
Riding a wave of anti-establishment sentiments, and with the PKR as partner, Lim is expected to be re-elected.
The margin of victory will determine whether all the hype worked.

7. P43 Bagan (Penang): Lim Guan Eng (DAP) vs Song Choy Leng (BN-MCA)
The DAP secretary-general is back in the electoral fray after a jail term put him out in the wilderness.
He is heading a big bruising battle to take Penang. Will voters let him talk in Parliament, but not in the state
assembly? Or will it be the other way round?

8. P37 Marang (Terengganu): Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS) vs Datuk Dr Ahmad Ramzi Mohamad Zubir (BN-Umno)
In 2004, the PAS president narrowly lost to BN candidate Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar. Abdul Hadi however managed
to retain the Rhu Redang state seat with a 1,435-vote majority against BN-Umno's Razali Idris. Will PAS’s partnership
with PKR brighten Hadi’s political fortune by putting him back in the Dewan Rakyat?

9. P44 Permatang Pauh (Penang): Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan vs Datuk Pirdaus Ismail (BN-Umno)
This is a repeat fight, as the one in 2004 was narrowly won (590-vote majority) after a few recounts.
This time, Wan Azizah, the wife of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is facing a stiff challenge from her opponent who
has the Umno machinery solidly behind him. Wan Azizah has publicly stated that if she wins, she will step down
and force a by-election so that Anwar may be able to contest. All eyes on this red-hot seat.

10. P60 Taiping (Perak): Datuk S. Kayveas (BN-PPP) vs Nga Kor Ming (DAP)
This is the PPP’s only seat. The party president, who unsuccessfully asked for some seats to be returned to the party,
is expected to face a tough challenge this time, because of problems and quarrels with MIC leaders. He won in 2004
with a 2,172-vote majority. This was a Gerakan seat, pre 2004.


POLITICAL FAMILIES

1. P5 Jerlun (Kedah): Mukhriz Mahathir (BN-Umno) vs Idris Ahmad (PAS)
Mukhriz is the only one among former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's three sons who has ventured into politics.
This is his first attempt at being a wakil rakyat and this being his father's home state, he is expected to win.

2. P71 Gopeng (Perak): Datuk Ling Hee Liong (BN-MCA) vs Lee Boon Chye (PKR)
This eldest son of former MCA chief Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, known for his eat-drink-and-be-merry lifestyle style, is on
his maiden outing. He also enjoys the support of incumbent Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, former MCA secretary-general,
who won the seat in 2004 with a 14,782-vote majority.

3. P131 Rembau: Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (BN-Umno) vs Badrul Hisham Shaharin (PKR)
Umno Youth deputy chief and son-in-law of prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Khairy is a rising
political star in his first electoral outing. An easy win is predicted for this charismatic politician.

4. P115 Batu: Lim Si Pin (BN-Gerakan) vs Chua Tian Chang (PKR)
The greenhorn, son of Gerakan's retired president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, is facing off against activist
Tian Chua who was defeated by BN-Gerakan's Ng Lip Yong with a 11,517-vote majority in 2004.
This time, however, the climate is different and Chua, who played a big role in recent street rallies,
will give the newbie a bruising round.

5. P121 Lembah Pantai: Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) vs Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (BN-Umno)
The 27-year-old daughter of de facto PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is up against a formidable opponent
who has won against big names, her last with a 15,000-vote majority. Observers see this as a proxy fight
staged by Anwar, who was not qualified to contest. This is one fight you don’t want to miss.

6. N46 Port Klang: Roselinda Abdul Jamil (BN-Umno) vs Badrul Hisham
Abdullah PKR) and Independent candidate Nasir Mansor Talks are rife that Roselinda would be a 'pawn' under
the control of her father-in-law Datuk Zakaria Md Deros, infamous for his construction of an unapproved 'castle'
in the constitutency. Despite the bad press Zakaria got, he is still hugely influential here. This is a seat worth watching
because of the Zakaria factor.

7. P77 Tanjung Malim: Datuk Ong Ka Chuan (BN-MCA) vs Mohamad Azman Marjohan (PKR)
The MCA secretary-general is brother to MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is seeing his last general election.
Succession issues make this an interesting seat to watch, especially since party deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong
Choy had declined to contest due to poor health. Ka Chuan lost to DAP’s Fong Po Kuan in Batu Gajah in 2004.
He may have an easier time here.

8. P67 Kuala Kangsar: Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz (BN-Umno) vs Dr Khairuddin Abdul Malik (PAS)
The veteran Umno Wanita chief is poised for an easy win.

9. P94 Hulu Selangor: Datuk G.Palanivel (BN-MIC) vs Zainal Abidin Ahmad (PKR)
The MIC deputy president will not have it easy this time around because of the anti-MIC sentiments.

(where is guang eng, karpal singh son etc....bias)

BIG FIGHTS

1. P120 Bukit Bintang (Kuala Lumpur): Fong Kui Lun (DAP) vs Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng (BN-MCA)
Incumbent Fong faces a tough return challenge from Lee, dubbed Dr Ayam. And the campaign has seen
a lot of character-assassination and mudslinging. This is a DAP stronghold, but one that the BN machinery
wants to break down real bad. As usual, expect excitement a-plenty in this Chinese-dominant seat.

2. P106 PJ Utara (Petaling Jaya): Datuk Paduka Chew Mei Fun (BN-MCA) vs Tony Pua Kiam Wee (DAP)
The Wanita MCA deputy chief is facing, by her own admission, an electorate made hostile by the political
climate today. She is pitting her excellent service record over two terms against CEO-turned-politician
Pua who is a newbie. This Chinese-dominant constituency is seeing its biggest poll battle.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on this seat.

3. P138 Kota Melaka: Wong Nai Chee (BN-MCA) vs Sim Tong Him (DAP)
Wong turned giantkiller in 2004 when he dispatched DAP chief Kerk Kim Hock with a slim majority of 219-votes,
and has since established himself as a strong politician, often speaking up with great conviction in parliament.
The DAP wants this seat back badly, and thinks the current political climate gives it a good chance.
Sim is DAP’s strongman in this historical city. This is one fight to tune in.

4. N50 Buntong (Perak): Lee Tung Lai (BN-MCA) vs Siva Subramaniam (DAP)
This seat has the highest concentration of Indian voters at 45.3%. As such, observers are viewing this as a test
bed for Indian feelings this election. The extent of the vote swing will show how big an impact the Hindraf movement
has made.

5. P45 Bukit Mertajam (Penang): Chong Eng (DAP) vs Ong Tang Chuan (BN-MCA)
The seasoned woman politician, who is DAP deputy secretary-general and Wanita chief, faces MCA Bukit Mertajam
division secretary. Advantage to Chong.

6. P48 Bukit Bendera (Penang): Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye (BN-Gerakan) vs Liew Chin Tong (DAP)
This is an interesting battle - DAP election strategist takes on an incumbent, who is Gerakan secretary-general,
and a deputy minister. Chia is well-known in Penang is no pushover, even with the anti-establishment feeling in
the air. Liew faces a tough fight.

7. P50 Jelutong (Penang): Jeff Ooi (DAP) vs Dr Thor Teong Gee (BN-Gerakan)
Ooi, who got his notoriety from his blog Screenshots, is putting his money where his mouth is.
This political loud-mouth is posing a serious challenge to newbie Thor, a doctor who is contesting in a seat
vacated by Datuk Lee Kah Choon. Thor is a former municipal councilor and has service experience.
This is one seat fans of blogs (at least) will be watching intensely.

8. P66 Batu Gajah (Perak): Fong Po Kuan (DAP) vs Cheah Yoke Can (BN-MCA)
The DAP’s 'cili padi' who announced that she was not contesting but changed her mind due to appeals from
supporters, has the advantage against the political unknown.

9. N16 Batu Caves (Selangor): T. Mohan (BN-MIC) vs Amirudin Shari (PKR) and Azmi Hussain (Ind)
The new face fielded by MIC faces an uphill battle to win the support in a seat where a group of Hindraf
supporters was arrested for gathering illegally. The BN feels Mohan has done a good job to win back confidence.
But is it enough to turn the tide?

10. P61 Bukit Gelugor (Penang). Karpal Singh (DAP) vs Datuk Koay Kar Huah (BN-MCA)
The DAP chairman, who is now confined to a wheelchair, is taking on a three-term executive councilor,
who is standing for Parliament for the first time.. Karpal won by more than 1,000 votes in 2004. Is the seat his
for the taking, given the determination shown by Koay?

11. N16 Perai (Penang): L. Krishnan (BN-MIC) vs Prof P. Ramasamy (DAP) and R. Ulaganathan (Ind)
MIC expected to get a bruising here because of the Hindraf fall-out. Ramasamy may get the vote here,
as Penangites may want Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon to win in Batu Kawan (where Ramasamy is also fielded).

12. N9 Bagan Dalam (Penang): Former state executive councilor P. Subbaiyah (BN-MIC) vs A. Tanasekharan (DAP)
Incumbent Subbaiyah is having a hard time here, according to ground sentiments. Furthermore, this seat was created in 2004.

13. N23 Air Putih (Penang) Lim Guan Eng vs Tan Yok Cheng (BN-MCA)
The charismatic Lim is expected to get in. Tan is a newbie and not expected to be able to stand up to the DAP onslaught.
Lye Siew Weng won with a 1,000-odd-vote majority in 2004 in a newly-created seat.

14. N31 Batu Lanchang (Penang): Law Heng Kiang (DA) vs Ng Fook Onn (BN-Gerakan)
Law held the seat in 1999, but Ng wrested it from him in 2004 with only a 75-vote majority.
Law is seen to have the upper hand this time in this seat with a 86.5% Chinese electorate.

15. N27 Pengkalan Kota (Penang): Lee Hack Teik (BN-MCA) vs Lau Keng Ee (DAP)
Sinseh Lee, who goes on a cub-chai, has been incumbent for three terms and is well-liked in an area
that has 95% Chinese voters. But given the ground sentiments, Lau has an opportunity to upstage him.

16. N28. Komtar (Penang): Datuk Lim Gim Soon (BN-MCA) vs Ng Wei Aik (DAP).
Lim is a three-term incumbent here and is up against the editor of The Rocket, the DAP’s official organ.
This area has 83% Chinese and 7.8% Indians. Lim has his loyal supporters, but Ng may get swing votes from
angry voters.

17. N34 Bukit Gasing (Selangor): Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP) vs Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng (BN-MCA)
Lee is endorsed by the CSI-Parliament, a citizen initiative. Being a residents association chief, he has often
had dealings with Lim and both are respectful of each other. Both are good ground workers. A real dilemma
for Bukit Gasing folk.

18. P110 Klang (Selangor): Charles Anthony Santiago (DAP) vs Datuk Ch'ng Toh Eng (BN-MCA)
The NGO activist, who has fought a number of high-profile issues, takes on an MCA strongman who is a
long-serving executive councilor. Ch’ng knows his electorates very well, and serves them even better.
Charles may have a tough time, but should take the swing votes.

19. N37 Bukit Lanjan: Elizabeth Wong (PKR) vs Datin Paduka Yeong Dai Ying (BN-MCA)
The former Hakam leader, who is a first-timer in the polls, is giving the BN incumbent a run for her money.
Seat to watch to see how the social activist performs.

20. P107 Subang: R. Sivarasa (PKR) vs S. Murugesan (BN-MIC)
The BN newcomer is expected to have competition only in the urban area and will walk away hands down
in the outskirts. This is the PKR vice-president's second attempt as he lost in the Petaling Jaya Selatan
parliamentary seat in 2004. The lawyer has fought many high-profile cases and this time around,
his chances have improved considerably.

21. N4 Sekinchan: Ng Suee Lim (DAP) vs Puah Boon Choon (BN-MCA)
Sekinchan and Sungai Pinang are the only two state seats controlled by the opposition (in this case, DAP).
The slim majority win by the DAP candidate in 2004 is expected to widen this time.

22. N44 Sungai Pinang: Teng Chang Kim (DAP) vs Datuk Song Kee Chai (BN-MCA)
The DAP Selangor strongman, who is the incumbent, is expected to win comfortably again, based on ground sentiments.


KELANTAN MENTERI BESAR-designate

N21 and P25: Perupok state seat and Bachok parliamentary seat: Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin vs Datuk Omar Mohamad (PAS) in Perupok and
Nasharudin Mat Isa (PAS) in Bachok.
Awang has been entrusted by the BN to win back Kelantan from PAS which has ruled the state for 18 years. If he and his team wins the majority
in the state assembly, this man will be mentri besar, taking over from PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat.


CANDIDATES FOR PENANG CHIEF MINISTER’S POST:
This is a three-horse race for the CM’s post. These seats are being watched for obvious reasons.

1. N26 Padang Kota: Teng Chang Yeow (BN-Gerakan) vs Chow Kon Yeow (DAP)
Dark horse contender for Chief Minister's post, Teng takes on state DAP chairman Chow.

2. N14 Machang Bubok: Datuk Lee Kah Choon (BN-Gerakan) vs Tan Hock Seng (PKR)
Gerakan's Deputy Secretary-General, Lee should see an easy win over PKR candidate Tan.

3. N25 Pulau Tikus: Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan (BN-Gerakan) vs Koay Teng Hai (DAP)
Another Chief Minister hopeful Teng defends his seat against DAP newcomer Koay.


THE BELOW-3O NEWBIES

1. P102 Serdang: Teo Nie Ching (DAP) vs Datuk Hoh Hee Lee (BN-MCA)
Fiery law graduate, Teo makes her election debut with DAP against former Balakong state assemblyman Hoh.

2. N08 Machap: Ginie Lim Siew Lin (PKR) vs Lai Meng Chong (BN-MCA)
USM journalism graduate and PKR media coordinator, Ginie is also contesting for the first time against incumbent assemblyman Lai Meng Chong.

3. P122 Seputeh: Carol Chew Chee Lin (BN-MCA) vs Teresa Kok (DAP)
A heated battle is expected between Ng Yen Yen's personal assistant, Carol Chew and DAP iron lady Teresa Kok.

4. N31 Subang Jaya: Hannah Yeoh (DAP) vs Ong Chong Chuan (BN-MCA)
Newcomer Hannah seeks to bring fresh change to Subang as Ong defends the legacy of Lee Hwa Beng.