Separated by a distance of less than 100 metres and located at different intersections, the local Chinese population was treated to blistering speeches by both Dr Ting Tiong Choon of DAP and Fong Pau Teck, an independent candidate, who was once a DAP man himself.

Fong, incumbent Pujut assemblyman, who was sacked from DAP in 2013, attacked both his former party and Barisan Nasional in his speech, even resorting to calling his opponent Ting, a foreigner.

He said Ting was more an Australian citizen than a local as he had returned to Malaysia only after living overseas for more than 20 years.

Fong’s jabs were however, drowned by applause from the swarming group of DAP supporters who were clearly rooting for Ting, and more than doubled in number those cheering the incumbent.

Pujut will see a four-way fight come May 7. The two others contesting for the seat are BN direct candidate Hii King Chiong and PAS Sarawak Commissioner Joffri Jaraee.