Malacca polls: Independent candidates choose tree, key as symbol

 

The Malacca state election will see 22 independent candidates contesting in 16 state constituencies.

Of the total, 10 are using a book as their symbol, five are using a key, three are using a tree, and the remaining four are using the rabbit, tractor, tie, and pen symbols.

Their choice of symbol is important as they will have to promote it during the campaign period to ensure their supporters mark a cross on the right symbol on polling day, Nov 20.

The independent candidates include Norhizam Hassan Baktee, who is defending the Pengkalan Batu seat. He is using the key symbol.

Also contesting as independent candidates are Gan Tian Soh for the Duyong seat, who is using the rabbit symbol, Azmi Kamis for Bemban (tractor), and Mohd Akhir Ayob, who is using the book symbol.

“I chose the book as my symbol because it is the best reference and those who read books are clever people,” said Mohd Akhir when contacted by Bernama. He is contesting for the Asahan seat.

Two other independent candidates are involved in the six-cornered fight for the Asahan state seat. They are Mohd Noor Salleh and Azmar Abdul Hamid, who are using the tree and key symbol, respectively.

The other three candidates contesting the seat are Fairul Nizam Roslan (BN), Danesh Basil (Perikatan Nasional) and Idris Haron (Pakatan Harapan).

According to the official portal of the Election Commission (EC), there are 28 symbols that candidates can choose from for their campaign purposes and as their symbol on the ballot paper.

The symbols include elephant, prawn, hoe, boat, and motorcycle.

After choosing the symbols and their choice confirmed by the returning officer during the nomination session, the candidates are not allowed to change the symbol.

However, if there is more than one independent candidate who wants the same symbol, the EC will hold a ballot to determine who has the right to use the symbol.

The EC has set Nov 20 as polling day for the Malacca state election, while early voting is on Nov 16.

Malacca, which has 28 state constituencies, has 495,195 registered voters, 48.57 percent men and 51.43 percent women.

- Bernama