Returning officer Datuk Mahmod Morsidi announced that Ismail Safian (Barisan), Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS) and Kamarul Ramizu Idris have qualified to contest in the parliamentary by-election.

Kamarul, 42, surprised many when he arrived at the Taiping Municipal Council hall accompanied by about 50 supporters carrying black umbrellas to file his nomination papers.

Supporters from both Barisan and opposition parties gathered within 100m of the town hall carrying banners and chanting party slogans.

Nizar, who was the first to arrive to file his nomination, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Fatimah Taat and leaders from the opposition parties.

They included PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and Perak assembly speaker V. Sivakumar.

Ismail was accompanied by Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, MCA president Ong Tee Keat, Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambri Abdul Kadir.

Hundreds of policemen, including Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, were present to maintain peace and security.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar was heckled by PAS supporters when he arrived at the centre.

The crowd got more riled up when Khairy waved at them.

They had to be calmed down by PAS leaders as FRU personnel were called in to be on standby.

A small altercation broke when Barisan supporters pelted water bottles at a vehicle carrying DAP chairman Karpal Singh.

The crowd dispersed quickly upon police intervention.

Karpal Singh, who filed a police report later, said the culture of violence in Umno must stop.

“We will campaign cleanly. Threats like that will not stop us.

“We were elected on record and not sympathy.

“It is their (Barisan Nasional) weakness and our substance that allowed us to lead in five states,” he said.

The Bukit Gantang seat fell vacant following the death of Roslan Shaharom of PAS on Feb 9.

The constituency, which has three state seats in Changkat Jering, Trong and Kuala Sapetang, has 55,562 registered voters.

Of that, 62% are Malays, 27% Chinese and 19% Indians.

- The Star -