Nominations submitted by 4 candidates

Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah of Barisan Nasional (BN), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and two independent candidates had submitted their candidacy for the Permatang Pauh by-election when nominations closed at 10am.

The independent candidates are Hanafi Hamat, president of PAS splinter party Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) and Dr Mansor Othman, former Penang PKR chairman.

The objection period is from 10am to 11am.

Arif, 51, dressed in a yellow baju Melayu, was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minsiter Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak to the nomination centre at Dewan Aminuddin Baki of the Tuanku Bainun Teaching Institute. He submitted his nomination papers to returning officer Roslan Yahaya as soon as the centre opened at 9am.

Other BN leaders present included Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is also Penang BN chairman, MIC president Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu, MCA vice-president Datuk Ong Tee Keat, BN Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Wanita Umno vice-head Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil and Umno information head Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib.

Several minutes later, Anwar, 61, wearing a light blue baju Melayu, submitted his nomination form.

He was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, three of their children, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, PAS vice-president Husam Musa, and DAP chairman Karpal Singh. PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat arrived at 9.30am.

Hanafi submitted his nomination papers at 9.25am and Dr Mansor, a few minutes later.

The Permatang Pauh by-election is being held after its MP, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, resigned to make way for her husband, Anwar, to contest the seat. Polling is on Aug 26.

Police deployed about 3,000 officers and men to control the crowd of more than 10,000 banner-toting supporters and conducted land and aerial surveillance to ensure that the nomination proceeded smoothly.

The fine weather added to the cheerful atmosphere at the centre.

-- BERNAMA