Barisan Nasional candidate Isa Samad rubbished opposition claims that he was a 'recycled' candidate and instead said the label was more apt for opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

"In 2008, I did not contest in the general election. He (Anwar) didn't contest for more than six years, he was hancur (finished)," said Isa, who is BN's candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election.

bagan pinang by-election nomination 031009 candidate shake hand Isa said this to reporters after the nomination process this morning.

Opposition parties are zooming in on Isa's tainted past, as he was found guilty by Umno of vote-buying in the 2004 party elections.

Among opposition rhetoric were claims that BN 'recycled' an aged Isa, 59, for a minor by-election in an Umno stronghold.

Meanwhile, Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin again defended Isa's candidacy, reiterating that he was the most suitable candidate.

"He is very experienced and has many achievements. He is also close to the people," Muhyiddin said at the nomination centre.

He’s a ‘first class’ candidate

bagan pinang by election nomination 031009 bn leaders Despite the odds stack heavily in Umno’s favour, Muhyiddin warned party workers not to underestimate their opponents PAS.

PAS is fielding its state chief Zulkefly Mohd Omar, a professional, who is hoping to make his break by contesting in an election for the fourth time.

MIC president S Samy Vellu described Isa, his former cabinet colleague, as a “first class” candidate.

After briefly praising Isa, Samy Vellu described at length on the inroads MIC is making in the estate areas of the Bagan Pinang constituency.

Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said everyone should be given a chance to start afresh and notes that Isa had a “good track record”.

He said the opposition was embarking in personal attacks against Isa and this strategy would not work.

Zulkefly not a local

Meanwhile, Bernama reported PAS candidate Zulkefly as saying that he not being a local in the state constituency might be an advantage to his BN opponent.

dap mooncake festival 031009 zulkefly Nevertheless Zulkefly, who is the state PAS chief, said the fact that he was born in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan put him in good stead to have a go for the seat.

"I am Negeri Sembilan born," he told reporters.

He said the same applied to his rival Isa, who was not born in Negeri Sembilan but hailed from Malacca.

However, compared to Zulkefly, Isa who had held the position of Negeri Sembilan MB for 22 years since 1982, was brought up in Kampung Bagan Pinang and is highly respected by the local community for his charisma and warmth.

Zulkefly had contested in three general elections - in 1999, 2004 and 2008 - for the Lenggeng state seat but lost each time.