ANALYSIS The common thread running through the two by-elections in Kerdau in the parliamentary constituency of Kuala Krau in Pahang and in Merlimau in the parliamentary constituency of Jasin in Malacca is the lack of excitement and issues emanating from both campaigns.

The only spark created from these campaigns was a speech by the wife of the Prime Minister, Rosmah Mansor, defending her recent trips to the Middle East.