The campaigning for the Padang Serai election is well underway, with about a week left to go before polling on Dec 7. Politicians and observers say the election this time feels less intense than usual.

While party flags, posters and banners can be seen dotting areas such as the Padang Serai town, Lunas, Paya Besar and the Kulim Hi-tech Park, most of the constituency does not appear to have been “infected with election fever”.

There have also been very few big names from any of the parties going down to campaign in Padang Serai thus far, though more are expected in the second half of the campaign...