Day 9 Maszlee Apologises Over Altercation With Two Angry Men

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GE15 LIVE DAY 9 | The 15th general election campaign enters the ninth day, leaving a handful of days more for candidates to convince voters to choose them before heading to the polling booth. 
Follow our live blog as the Malaysiakini team brings you the news as it takes place.
Muhyiddin T-shirts at PN ceramah in Tambun
9.30pm: Tambun, Perak - Over 2,000 Perikatan Nasional T-shirts with the image of Muhyiddin Yassin are being distributed at the coalition’s super Sunday mega ceramah tonight. 
ADSMany are seen wearing the T-shirts before entering the ceramah venue. 
Most of them are middle-aged Malay supporters. 
Maszlee apologises over altercation with two angry men
9.00pm: Simpang Renggam, Johor - Pakatan Harapan’s Simpang Renggam candidate Maszlee Malik apologises for generalising and offending Umno supporters during his altercation with the two angry men who accused him of being a lying politician.
He explains that one of the men involved in the incident is the Sungai Rinai’s village chief and a strong Umno supporter.
“Perhaps it is the behaviour of some individuals who feel there is a misunderstanding. I forgive him.
“On my end, I was in a state of being provoked and was in a situation where I gave a bad reaction by generalising.
“Despite the village chief and the other person being strong Umno supporters, they do not represent all Umno members.
“Umno’s candidate (in Simpang Renggam) Hasni (Mohammad) is friendly and professional with me whenever we meet,” he says.
Maszlee adds that this is a lesson to be more careful with his words, and hopes that no such incidents will occur in the future.
Political talk under the rain
8.45pm: Nibong Tebal, Penang - About 70 people attend a PKR political talk in front of St Anthony Church tonight although it has been raining.
Audiences, mostly Chinese and Indians, stand under the open-air venue holding their umbrellas during the half-an-hour event.
A few of them are seen asking for the autograph of Nibong Tebal candidate Fadhlina Sidek, who is one of the speakers.
Billboard battle: PN tries to bring Anwar down to size
6.10pm: Tambun, Perak - Just a day after Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim erected gigantic posters of himself around the Tambun constituency, a huge banner with the phrase “size does not matter” has gone up on an overhead bridge at Jalan Tambun, Ipoh today.
The latest billboard, printed by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) headquarters, is understood to have been installed late last night and has replaced the “Dari Tambun Susur Keluar Ke Utara” (From Tambun exit north) slogan that was put up on Nov 6.
Another banner with an image of the fictional kaiju monster plastered next to the phrase “Ingatkan Godzilla, chor” and Perak PN chairperson Ahmad Faizal Azumu’s favourite tagline “ayor bukan ayaq” has also been erected near the Lai Chee Complex here.
The phrase which brings about the meaning “I thought it was Godzilla, bro” is an apparent dig at Anwar’s humongous two-storey banner on the opposite road, just 50m from the PN billboard.
Since Anwar’s announcement on Oct 20 that he will be standing in the Tambun parliamentary seat, he has been bombarded by his former Harapan colleague-turned-rival Faizal via a billboard war.
Batu rivals pray together at Chinese temple
5:30: Batu, Kuala Lumpur - Two rival candidates for the Batu seat bump into each other at a Chinese temple in Sentul but instead of going the other way, they light up joss sticks and pray together.
Pakatan Harapan candidate P Prabakaran and BN's A Kohilan Pillay capture the moment on camera for keepsake.
BN’s A Kohilan Pillay next to Pakatan Harapan’s P Prabakaran (centre) as they light up joss sticks at a Chinese temple in SentulPrabakaran says it’s an example of a healthy election campaign despite the high number of candidates - 10 hopefuls are contesting the parliamentary seat which is the highest in the country’s history.
In an earlier interview, Prabakaran revealed police had advised candidates to try and avoid each other for fear of a clash or friction.
Mat Sabu gets celebrity treatment in Taman Rakyat
4:30pm: Klang - Old and young Klangites exercising in Taman Rakyat stop in their tracks to greet Amanah president Mohamad Sabu with excitement and cheer.
Rushing to snap wefies with the former defence minister, the fitness enthusiasts wait their turn while some capture the excitement in photos with themselves in the fore.
Klang folk rush to take pictures with Mat SabuMohamad who is defending his Kota Raja parliamentary seat says he is not a popular artist but lucky because the majority of Selangor gave them (Pakatan Harapan) their support.
He says the support got stronger over the past two general elections and Kota Raja remains a Harapan stronghold because of this and also from the support of the party machinery as well as the government at various levels.
‘Let Dr M debate with Anwar’ - Azmin on PM bid issue
4.10pm: Kampung Sungai Kertas, Gombak - Bersatu supreme council member Azmin Ali refuses to respond to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest remarks where the former premier tells voters to blame him (Azmin), Hamzah Zainudin and Muhyiddin Yassin for causing PKR president Anwar Ibrahim unable to become prime minister.
Instead, Azmin says he wants to leave it to Mahathir and Anwar.
"It’s okay, it is (Mahathir's) opinion. Let Mahathir debate it with Anwar," he adds.
PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and ex-PM Dr Mahathir MohamadYesterday, Mahathir said he should not be blamed for Anwar’s failure to become the prime minister under the Pakatan Harapan administration, but it should instead be pinned on those who engineered the Sheraton Move in 2020.
Azmin promises end to villagers’ housing woes
3.30pm: Kampung Sungai Kertas, Gombak - Perikatan Nasional's Azmin Ali, who is defending his Gombak parliamentary seat, promises villagers at Rumah Transit Sungai Kertas that he will help them solve their housing problem if he gets re-elected.
The senior minister tells some 50 villagers attending his ceramah that he will work together with the Selangor state government to speed up the process to move them to another location nearby with proper and better housing facilities.
PN’s Azmin Ali on the campaign trailIn his speech, Azmin also calls for the voters to pick PN for its track record in managing the economy.
Mat Hasan: Don’t worry, no Harapan tsunami in GE15
2.30pm - BN deputy chairperson Mohamad Hasan said he does not foresee a repeat of the "tsunami" that helped Pakatan Harapan capture Putrajaya in the last general election.
In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Mohamad, also known as Mat Hasan, said he felt the situation was more "calm" in GE15.
"There used to be waves known as tsunamis. Now there isn't and it's obvious. It used to be at the coffee shop that people got into an argument because each wanted to win a position. It feels like GE15 will be calmer," he said.
In GE14, Harapan and its allies won a majority 113 out of 222 parliamentary seats, ending BN's uninterrupted rule since Merdeka in 1957. However, its administration was toppled by the Sheraton Move in February 2022.
BN’s candidate for Rembau Mohamad HasanMat Hasan said that change was inevitable.
"As a party, Umno needs to keep up with the changes. The party cannot be too rigid and needs to be dynamic according to our environment. If not, the people will change us. So we have to change ourselves," he added.
Men stop Maszlee from meeting flood victims
1.45pm: Simpang Renggam, Johor - There is a brief altercation between Pakatan Harapan Simpang Renggam candidate Maszlee Malik and two older men who did not allow him to enter a temporary flood evacuation centre at Sungai Rinai.
Another group of residents, who are seeking shelter after their homes were flooded last night, defends Maszlee who arrives with Harapan election machinery.
Several police officers were seen holding back the two angry men who are accusing Maszlee of being a lying politician.
“They said there is an order to not let politicians in.
“But I always come to visit them (residents) in the past years whenever flooding happens,” Maszlee tells reporters.
He also says their actions are a typical sign of BN's bully mentality and that the coalition must not be allowed into power again.
Harapan’s Syahredzan sings for hearts of Bangi voters
1.40pm: Bangi, Selangor - Pakatan Harapan candidate for Bangi Syahredzan Johan expands his arsenal to win the hearts and minds of Bangi constituents, by singing classic songs 'Jangan Pisahkan' by Indonesian duo Deddy Dores and Mayang Sari, as well as 'Relaku Pujuk' by Malaysian rock group Spider.
The lawyer digs deep and gives his best vocal tones to guests at the wedding of Muhd Syafiq Syarifuddin and Nur Ain Ahmad Latif at Kampung Bukit Dukung here.
Cheers erupt from the crowd as Syahredzan bows after the performance and exits the stage.
Excitement as Chong Wei joins KJ for a match
1pm: Kampung Baru Subang, Selangor - Excitement was in the air this morning when BN candidate for Sungai Buloh Khairy Jamaluddin was joined by former national badminton player Lee Chong Wei during a Santai Badminton programme held in Kampung Baru Subang.
Lee reportedly said he is not campaigning for BN, clarifying his attendance today is to promote badminton as a sport and he is willing to appear alongside other candidates on the campaign trail if he is asked and available.
“I came to the programme this morning because KJ (Khairy) was a former youth and sports minister who helped me a lot before.
Former national badminton player Lee Chong Wei (left) hugging BN’s candidate for Sungai Buloh Khairy Jamaluddin.“I also want to enliven this program, rekindling the sports spirit of young people here. I want more young people to play badminton,” Lee, who was described by Khairy as a 'long time friend', was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
Khairy and Lee played a game as doubles partners against event organiser Lee Tick Wah and former national player Lee Winnie.
Harapan’s Bangi candidate visits wedding
12.40pm: Bangi, Selangor - Bangi Pakatan Harapan candidate Syahredzan Johan brings extra cheer to a wedding at Kampung Bukit Dukung here.
After shaking hands with guests, the fresh face in politics takes the stage to introduce himself.
He takes over from incumbent DAP MP Ong Kian Ming, who won the seat with a 68,768 majority.
At present, Syahredzan, who is a lawyer, is facing off in a five-cornered fight with Hoh Hee Lee (BN), Annuar Salleh (Pejuang), Muhammad Nazrul Hakim (PN), and Chee Chee Meng (PRM), as well as independents Suthan Mookaiah, Muhammad Fauzi Hasim, and Prof Jamal Hisham Hashim.
Banner shenanigans in Johor Bahru
12.30pm: Johor Bahru, Johor - Incumbent Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasir has responded to comments that other candidates have made over his "Kita Boleh" campaign banners.
In a post shared by former Johor Bahru MP Shahrir Samad on Facebook, Shahrir shared a picture where a campaign banner for Johor Bahru BN candidate Johan Ropi had been attached to Akmal's "Kita Boleh" banner.
Appearing side by side, the slogans read: "Kita Boleh Undi Johan".
"It seems the campaigns from other candidates have been reacting to our campaign. At another place in Kg Desa Makmur (in Johor Bahru), our banners have been vandalised. Our team has lodged the police report.
"For us, we will keep focusing on real issues and concentrate on a personal touch with voters," Akmal told Malaysiakini.
Azmin targets youth with e-sports
11.40am: Gombak, Selangor - Perikatan Nasional candidate for Gombak, Azmin Ali, who is defending his seat, organises an e-sports competition.
The DSAA Cup, carrying the former menteri besar’s initials - Datuk Seri Azmin Ali - sees the participation of over 100 youths, who compete in e-sports games PUBG, Mobile Legends, and Fifa23.
In his launching speech at the event, Azmin expresses his hope that the event will help to uncover more talents among the youths.
‘Does Anwar think our military personnel are criminals?’
11.30am: Tambun, Perak - Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu has questioned if Tambun rival Anwar Ibrahim thinks that the nation’s military personnel are ‘all criminals’.
Describing a recent statement made by the latter as one of the most ‘malicious’ accusations made by a politician in this 15th general election (GE15) campaign trail, Ahmad Faizal claimed Anwar lacked evidence to support such accusations.
Perikatan Nasional candidate for Tambun Ahmad Faizal Azumu“There are 146,737 military voters and their spouses who are eligible to vote in GE15. Anwar has insulted and called them bribe-takers. Accepting a bribe is a crime. Does Anwar think that our military personnel are all criminals?” Ahmad Faizal said in a statement today, claiming that Harapan was ‘getting desperate’.
“Will this fairy tale about electoral corruption be used as an excuse to claim unfairness in the election, if Harapan loses big on Nov 19?” he said, asking if the PKR president will retract his statement and publicly apologise.
This comes after Anwar alleged on Nov 11 that military personnel who cast their early votes for GE15 in caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's parliamentary seat of Bera were paid RM300 each to do so.
Tanks for the memories, Hamzah
11am: Larut, Perak - The Perikatan Nasional (PN) operations centre located in Kubu Gajah came alive when PN supporters in the area built a “tank” using the body of a Honda EX5 motorcycle.
“The tank can be carried using the motorcycle. We decorated the bilik gerakan to welcome Hamzah himself,” said the supporters of PN Larut candidate Hamzah Zainudin.
They said it took two days to finish the model.
Kluang candidate explains billboard typo
10.30AM: Kluang, Johor - Two billboards for Kluang incumbent MP Wong Shu Qi that featured a humorous typo have since been taken down.
The billboards contained the Malay phrase "berat sama dipukul, ringan sama dijinjing', with "dipukul (hit)" incorrectly used instead of "dipikul (to carry on the shoulder)".
A photo of the billboard with the typo has gone viral on social media.
DAP's Wong said in a statement: We took down the billboard as soon as we realised the mistake. This billboard was taken down on Nov 11, two hours after it was put up.
"We acknowledge this error and it is a typo. In the billboard, we want to showcase to the public the efforts we have carried out during the MCO.
"Thank you to those who have pointed out this error so we can make an immediate correction," she said.
Universities block Fahmi’s Kelas Demokrasi lessons
9.45am: Penang - Political graphic designer Fahmi Reza has been blocked from conducting his 'Kelas Demokrasi' at yet another university.
Last night, auxiliary police intervened at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Fahmi claimed they were acting under the instructions of the deputy vice chancellor's (Student & Alumni Affairs) office.
The location of the class was then shifted to Restoran Khaleel, adjacent to the university.
Less than an hour after the change of locations, Fahmi was asked to stop his class once more, prompting the group to continue the session at Plaza Ivory despite the pouring rain.
Prior to his USM session, the graphic designer was similarly blocked from conducting his lessons on campus at Universiti Malaya earlier in the day, before relocating to a restaurant nearby with students in tow.
BN hot air balloons attract Perak voters, but one deflated
9.30am: Tapah, Perak - BN is providing hot air balloon rides for people in Tapah.
This morning, a number of people are seen queuing and waiting at the field behind the Tapah District Council.
Malaysiakini learned that the BN-themed hot air balloon has been set up in Tapah since last Saturday night, right after the announcement of election candidates.
Meanwhile, another BN-themed hot-air balloon ride at Sungai Siput was ordered to be taken down shortly after it went up on Friday morning.
Sungai Siput and Tapah are traditional MIC seats.
MIC president SA Vigneswaran is BN’s Sungai Siput candidate while deputy president M Saravanan is contesting in Tapah.
Warisan govt fell due to Sabah horsetrading culture - Shafie
8.30am: Labuan, Sabah - The fall of the Warisan-led government in Sabah in 2020 was due to the horsetrading culture that led to several assemblypersons hopping to other political parties and not because the party lost the citizen’s mandate, says former chief minister Shafie Apdal.
“Actually it wasn’t Warisan that lost the people’s mandate as we had won the state election but because of those who jumped.
“Why those people jumped, I understand that there was some horsetrading going on,” he told reporters after speaking at a 15th general election campaign in Labuan last night.
Former Sabah chief minister Mohd Shafie ApdalAccording to Bernama, Shafie said it would be good if political leaders in the state would stop the culture of blaming the previous government, which just caused the public to be confused.
Shafie also claimed that the party-hopping culture exists in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
“Alhamdulillah, GE15 will witness the rise of public support towards Warisan’s struggle in Sabah and Labuan,” he said.
PM post not for sale on Shopee - Khairy
8am: Petaling Jaya, Selangor - At a campaign rally in Sungai Buloh last night, Khairy Jamaluddin once again insisted that BN’s chosen candidate for prime minister is Ismail Sabri Yaakob and not anyone else.
“There is no one else, everyone has agreed.
“Don't say there will be another ‘order’ and the goods will arrive elsewhere. This is not the prime minister of Shopee,” said Khairy in response to persistent speculation that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi might secure the post for himself.
BN candidate for Sungai Buloh Khairy Jamaluddin“How do you know Ismail Sabri will be the prime minister? He has a rightful place for me in the next cabinet,” Khairy added.
He claimed that Umno candidates such as himself will lead to a stable government and prosperous country.
‘Stylishly handsome, well respected’ campaign song released
7am - Kota Melaka, Malacca - BN’s Kota Melaka candidate Kon Qi Yao is taking a musical approach mid-campaign season by releasing a theme song.
Part of the lyrics reads:
Stylishly handsome, well respected
Highly knowledgeable yet humble
He is the dream future leader
Vote for Kon Qi Yao this general election
The rakyat will surely be taken care of
His service will definitely satisfy
Kon is up against incumbent and Pakatan Harapan candidate Khoo Poay Tiong, Perikatan Nasional’s Suhaime Borhan, and independent candidate Norazlanshah Hazali. - Mkini

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