Malaysia’s General Election Campaign Kicks Off as Nationwide Voter Engagement Soars

Malaysia’s 15th General Election: The Campaign Fireworks Begin

All gears have rattled into motion for Malaysia’s 15th general election, and the country is now waving the official “Go‑Campaign” flag across every city, town, and even the islands. On Saturday, the whipping of ballots started as candidates have geared up to fill 222 parliamentary seats and 116 state seats in Perak, Pahang, and Perlis.

Nomination: The Official Green Light

The Election Commission (EC) has welcomed the flurry of nomination papers in the form of concrete declarations from hopefuls looking to snag a seat. Think of it as the “menu” version of a political buffet—each candidate offers a distinct recipe for voters’ preferences.

222 parliamentary wards ready for the national showdown.
116 state seats in the swinging capitals of Perak, Pahang, and Perlis.

Lenkerlang Lights Up: ’Muk Mahathir’s Five‑Way Face‑Off

Off on the tropical island of Langkawi in Kedah, former Prime Minister [Tun] Dr. Mahathir Mohamad – the person who’s basically the “Chair‑person” of the party manual – is throwing down the gauntlet to keep his seat. He’s not alone; a lineup of four other challengers will battle in what’s likely the most spirited five‑cornered race this election cycle.

Imagine a high-stakes, mixed‑media face‑off where every candidate poses a unique combination of policies, charisma, and a hint of drama. It’s going to be a foot‑tapping, eye‑rolling political routine that might even flip a few lids.

Election Drama Unfolds in Malaysia

Imagine a political sitcom where veteran generals, prodigious newcomers, and a few independent wildcards all compete for the same spot on the stage. The drama unfolds across key parliamentary wards, and here’s the cast list for the main players.

Bera – Pahang’s Three-Cornered Tussle

Ismail Sabri Yaakob – Caretaker Prime Minister, the seasoned Mr. Mam, battling for his own reign.
Abas Awang – PH hopeful, fresh and ready to poke the old guard.
Asmawi Harun – Perikatan Nasional’s challenger, the knight of the tactical play.

Gombak – Selangor’s Showdown with an Unexpected Twist

Azmin Ali – Ten‑year‑old MP and cabinet minister, playing the long‑horned champion.
Amirudin Shari – Selangor Menteri Besar, former locker‑room buddy turned rival.
Megat Zulkarnain Omardin – BN contender, the reliable sidekick.
Dr. Aziz Jamaludin Mhd Tahir – Gerakan Tanah Air, the doctor who prescribing new policies.
Zulkifli Ahmad – Independent candidate, the wildcard looking to disrupt the script.

Pagoh – Johor’s High‑stakes Legacy Battle

Muhyiddin Yassin – Former prime minister, a veteran audience favorite wanting to recapture the spotlight.
Razali Ibrahim – BN contender, the steady sibling in the family.
Iskandar Shah – PH hopeful, the rising star knocking on the door.

All around the country, supporters are chanting, tossing humorous comments, and occasionally throwing gentle jabs. The election buzz is all about who can keep their promises—without the past “crooks and jailbirds” making a cameo. The scene is set, the characters are ready, and the votes are the final verdict. May the best story win!
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Election Fever in Tenom, Sabah

Just when you thought the politics pulse was going to buckle quietly, a flare erupted in the Tenom rural parliamentary ward after a candidate’s nominating paperwork went porch‑clean‑down! Police had no choice than to unleash tear gas—think of it as the “clean‑room” cleaning solution for crowds—just to keep the rowdy revellers from taking over the street.

All Geyser‑Style Supporters in Wet Hot Territories

Inside nomination centres, the atmosphere was a festival. The clerks could hardly crack a smile while swarms of supporters, arm‑sized flags fluttering in the morning breeze, queued to cheer their running leaders. It was a crowd‑storm, the kind that you’d see at a concert, only this time the “song” was a chant of electoral slogans.

Tambun, Perak – From 7:30 am, fresh‑baked pastries and merch (t‑shirts, scarves, flags) dotted the scene, all screaming “PH! PH! PH!” for the Pakatan Harapan proud.
Perak’s Bagan Datuk – The UMNO faithful amassed near a vacant construction site, treating the nomination centre like a pop‑up fair. Zahid Hamidi was greeted in a convoy with dozens of motorbikes flashing BN flags, scratching an “orbit” event the same way a space launch would.

Selangor’s Gombak: Amirudin Unleashed

Waving “Reformasi” and “Pakatan Harapan” from the world’s loudest brass band, Amirudin Shari’s crew marched alongside him and his family to the nomination centre. Imagine a parade of political enthusiasm, complete with a selfie‑corner and a chant that carries all the vibes of “Vote loud, vote proud!”.

Kedah’s Langkawi: Golf‑Bug, Dr. Mahathir & Family

Even the legendary Dr. Mahathir couldn’t resist a 21st‑century fancy: he rolled in on his golf buggy (think “mericely, but lighter?”). His wife Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah by his side, it was a duo that blends classic charm with a dash of garden‑party flair.

Across Sabah, Perak, Selangor and Kedah, the timing and spectacle of the nomination centres have turned them into political pop‑up stages—bring your own blanket, grab a snack, and remember that the dress code is all about standing up for that future seat while acting like you’re on a mega TV showcase. The crowds may be chaotic, but the energy is unmistakably human—and that’s why we all keep watching the ballots roll in the next few weeks.

Shahidan’s Surprise Exit: Perlis Gets a Fresh Pitch

In the chill of a Perlis morning, former UMNO minister Shahidan Kasim strutted into the Arau nomination centre, clutching his new badge as a Perikatan Nasional (PN) hopeful. With BN dropping him, the tiny northern state could finally flip its switch and say goodbye to UMNO dominance for the first time in its history.

Tan Sri Muhy’s Blue Baju Melayu Moment

Meanwhile, across to Johor’s Pagoh ward, Tan Sri Muhyiddin arrived in style—there’s nothing like a classic blue baju Melayu to command a crowd. Monday’s calm was ripped apart by a stampede of about 100 motorcycles, all part of his rival Mr. Razali’s convoy, reminding everyone that elections are never boring in Malaysia.

Election Forecast: A No‑Deal Race?

The ballot is shaping up to be a crowded field. With three major coalitions and dozens of independents eyeing the seats, expect almost a thousand nominations to fly through the ballot box on Saturday. State polls will run in tandem, adding a fresh wave of contests.

Why Some States Are Holding Off

Perlis, Perak and Pahang—once the UMNO orbit—are in the hot seat.
The remaining six states have chosen to postpone elections until next year in hopes of shunning the looming monsoon.

Barisan Nasional’s Lucky Streak

Analysts predict Barisan Nasional (BN) will score the most parliamentary seats, positioning the UMNO‑led coalition as the front‑runner for forming the next government.

But here’s the kicker: a recent poll in October pegged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s approval at only 31%, a sharp drop from the 39% in April 2018. That was right before the scandal that sent former premier Najib Razak to prison and UMNO’s historic loss in the May 2018 snap election—the first defeat in Malaysia’s six‑decade run.

With all these plot twists, the November 19 vote promises to be as unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride—expect some leaders to stare at the ballot, unsure of what’s next.

Nomination Day in Malaysia: A Political Roller Coaster

When Malaysia rolls out the ballot paper, it’s not just a civic duty—it’s a full‑blown circus featuring legends, newcomers, and plenty of drama. This year’s nomination day saw two towering personalities step onto the stage: the seasoned statesman Mahathir Mohamad and the ambitious fresh‑in‑the‑game Muhyiddin Yassin. Let’s break down the spectacle.

The Big‑Name Show: Mahathir Mohamad

Mahathir, who’s been the prime minister twice, didn’t miss a beat. He filed his nomination under the banner of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, known for its long‑standing influence in Malaysian politics.
His campaign video was full of nostalgic footage, reminding voters that experience isn’t a past‑time activity but a recipe for stability.
Even a tiny glitch—like a misplaced “Petronas” billboard—could have sparked a minor online meme war.

New‑Kid in the Ring: Muhyiddin Yassin

The younger contender, previously seen as the “star” of the UMNO seat, enters the arena with a swagger that could rival a high school pledge.
He’s championing a platform that balances among growth, youth engagement, and a sprinkle of “if you like your coffee, we’ve got it!” kind of realism.
His “#BillboardBlitz” strategy—spraying campaign slogans across cityscapes—attempted to ensure that every street corner reads as “vote for Yassin, not just a vote.”

Party Players in the Mix

Both Mahathir and Muhyiddin are backed by two heavyweight alliances:

Barisan Nasional (BN)—the veteran coalition that once fought the battle of the “Grand Coalition.”
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)—the party Mahathir joined forces with for the = intensifying contest that’s not just about politics but the very culture of the nation.

Why It Matters

Nomination day is essentially your front‑row seat to the grand unveiling of new faces. It sets the tone for the campaign and tells you whether the vote’s going to be a casual stroll, a hard‑knock political dance, or perhaps a standing ovation—depending on how much the electorate loves the speakers.

There is an element of unpredictability whenever a seasoned veteran like Mahathir takes the stage, as well as with a bright‑new competitor like Muhyiddin. The real story is in how the electorate decides who fits the bill—whether it’s that irreplaceable “老鼠” of the political arena or the flash of a fresh face who might just bring a sense of newness to the dance floor.

So … The Call to Action

Get ready for the coming weeks, because this nomination day is just the opening act. Malaysia’s elections are gearing up to be a full‑blown election spectacle. Stay tuned, keep laughing, and remember: in this game, there’s no winner, no loser, only an election that outlives the novelty of “一個ϝӏǎйӧ…”.

Malaysia’s General Election Campaign Kicks Off as Nationwide Voter Engagement Soars