MANY who predicted the Permatang Pasir by-election to be another run-of-the-mill event, were in for a surprise as it brought on the rather unforeseen in terms of the fielded candidates. Barisan Nasional’s Rohaizat Othman caused a storm last week when it was uncovered that he had been disbarred as a lawyer. Read here.

Despite the misconduct involving RM161,000 belonging to his legal firm's client (read here), he and the BN machinery continued ahead, preferring not to view it as a hindrance (read here and here). Rohaizat insisted he was a "victim of circumstances". Read here. Unfortunately, his partner came out to accuse him of unduly singling him (the partner) out for blame in the financial affair. Read here.

In the same manner, the Pas candidate has had a fair share of accusations hurled against him. Mohd Salleh Man was accused of being involved in a money misappropriation scandal. Read here. Nevertheless, the party went on to brush off this allegation and urged that proof be shown. Read here.

[Update: The Permatang Pasir by election was won by incumbent party Pas on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Read here for an analysis on why the choice of candidate mattered]

For more news on POLITICS, read here 

Other news

• Villagers must vacate Kg Buah Pala, rules Federal Court: The Federal Court today stood by its June 24 decision that the Buah Pala residents must vacate their homes and hand over the property to the developer who had obtained approval to redevelop the area. Read here
• Little Penang Street Market going bust: Dwindling funds may force the closure of the Little Penang Street Market, a lively arts, craft and cultural market which is held on every last Sunday of the month at Upper Penang Road in George Town. The non-profit market, a project initiated by the Penang Arts Council, has enough funds to last only the next two to three months. Read here
• No merger for Penang’s two orchestras: The newly appointed chairman of Penang State Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (Pessoc) has put to rest speculation of a possible merger of the state’s two orchestras. Read here
• CNBC features Penang hospitals: Penang has been featured in a CNBC video which promoted its medical tourism. State Tourism, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the news network broadcast a six-minute video last Friday highlighting the reasons why patients chose Penang. Read here
• Hard Rock Hotel set to add RM10m to Penang economy: The opening of Malaysia's first Hard Rock Hotel in Penang next month is set to generate up to RM10 million for the island-state's economy. Read here

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form