COMMENT | The special by-election in Kemaman, Terengganu this weekend will not change the federal government numbers, as PAS is favoured to win back the seat it lost due to losing an electoral petition. 

There will be attention to the majority, with Umno hoping to build on its win in the Pelangai by-election and PAS aiming for a strong endorsement.

What has drawn attention in the campaign is the big guns being fielded. It is not usual to have a retired defence force chief Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor face off against a sitting Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar in a by-election.

Raja Mohamed Affandi is hoping to capitalise on his local and national standing, as he was raised in the area, while aeronautical engineer Samsuri is seeking to position himself as a potential prime minister candidate for PAS. 

Both men come to the contest with professional experience and offer strong options for Kemaman voters.

This contest, however, is not really about the individuals involved, despite their prominence. What is at stake is...