Bagan Pinang Nomination - Part 03

With the help from the above slides, I would like to give a brief write-up about what had happened on the 02 October 2009 on the nomination day for Bagan Pinang constituency.

If I say that there were more than 25,000 Pakatan Rakyat supporters, you may think that the figures were far-fetched. I would rather say that the figures were not more than 25,000 strong.

As for Barisan supporters, the figures were around 8,000 strong.

The crowd from Pakatan Rakyat was expected to be overwhelming and that was the reason why the rendezvous to start the walk to the nomination centre was about half a kilometer away.

The route was not directly led to the main entrance but a by-pass route leading into a small housing estate next to the side entrance was for Pakatan Rakyat supporters. The by-pass route was about 200 yards from the main road to the side entrance.

By the time the leading party reached the side entrance, some two-thirds of the Pakatan Rakyat supporters were still on the main road.

The rain came but the walk was not in hiatus.

Some took shelter in the two petrol stations and at the verandah of a row of shop lots. The rest stood on the main road facing the Barisan supporters.

The FRU made their presence felt by placing themselves as barricade between the two taunting and over-zealous groups.

On two occasions, drinking water in plastic bottles were seen flying from the Barisan crowd over to where Pakatan Rakyat supporters were. Luckily, there was no retaliation otherwise it would be a hell break loose situation.

The police stopped the Indian drums merry-makers from strolling into the vicinity. People jeered and unnecessary remarks were thrown at the police.

By 11.30 a.m. a few politicians were seen emerging from the nomination centre to greet their supporters. The crowd soon dispersed waiting for night to come to enjoy the hard hitting “ceramahs.”