Frantic next few days as campaign trail steps up a notch

GEORGE TOWN: As polling day draws closer, candidates are pulling out all the stops especially in convincing the fence-sitters.
For the first time in electoral history, Penang will witness multi-cornered fights in almost 90% of its 13 parliamentary and state seats.
Interviews conducted with voters in Penang appear to suggest most have made up their minds, and these last-ditch attempts may turn out to be futile.
Many though opt to keep mum on their choice.
"I have made up my mind since 2014, but I am not saying aloud. Who I vote is a secret," said Bernard Lim, a banker.
A slew of ceramahs and rallies from both sides of the political divide is expected to take place in this frantic next few days.
Pakatan Harapan will be bringing in the former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, the longest-serving federal minister in Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and DAP's adviser Lim Kit Siang to the state.
Barisan Nasional (BN) meanwhile, will aim to counter with the caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak slated to make an appearance alongside fellow top brass from Umno, MCA and MIC.
Amidst this chaos of ceramahs, rallies, walkabout, and press conferences, the choice facing the voters are the same, to stick or to twist. To remain with the status quo or to opt for a change in the state.
Change in Penang would be bringing back the national coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) while maintaining status quo for would be a nod for the continuation Pakatan under the DAP stewardship.
At best, Penang voters may position themselves in the centre if they want to invoke a win-win status for themselves, said political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
Penang BN chairperson Teng Chang Yeow has declared the warring factions will go all out to win, hence BN wants to win every seat it contests.
But after eight days of aggressive campaigning, BN continues to be seen as lagging behind.
But Teng is hoping for a few surprises to take place.
The hot seats have largely been confined to Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat where jailed PKR Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's eldest daughter Nurul Izzah stands for the first time in that seat, amidst suggestions she could struggle.
She has also been bogged down by the fact that her running mates in Penanti, Dr Norlela Ariffin and Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya) are not local born candidates.
Afif though is optimistic of a win in the area although the margin of victory could be slim as BN's candidate Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said has been active in the area for the last three years, while PAS has also fielded a big name in Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
Muhammad Fauzi Yusof, will defend the PAS stronghold of Permatang Pasir against Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, the son of the late Kedah born PAS president Datuk Fadzil Noor.
The other hot seats are notably the state seats of Bukit Tengah, Sungai Pinang, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Uban, Pantai Jerejak, Pengkalan Kota and Pulau Tikus seats while the Nibong Tebal, Batu Kawan and Balik Pulau parliamentary seat will come under heavy scrutiny.
Political observer Rahmad Isahak expects status quo to be maintained in Penang. However, if the local trait of wanting a strong opposition voice for checks and balances ring true, then he believes BN will win a few more additional seats.
That will be a telling factor to the DAP-led administration accused of turning a blind eye to grouses over the management of the environment, traffic congestion, affordable housing and the issue of living costs as well as the conduct of local government
"Also, this time around BN seems more prepared cognizant that the state has never navigated through a multiple-cornered fight," he said.
The wisdom of the voters in Penang should shine through unless there is a huge sentiment factor in the mindset of the voters, Rahmad concluded