Lau’s seconder, Madzin Che Zin, said at least 20 PAS supporters were part of the nearly 100-person crowd that marched with the Gerakan chief to the nomination centre this morning.

Madzin, of Bersatu, added that all PN component members in Penang were ordered to don the coalition’s dark blue shirt and bear its flags, instead of party livery.

Earlier, Utusan Malaysia reported that none of PAS’ election machinery were present to accompany Lau, a PN deputy chairman, for his nomination today.

The Malay-language news portal also reported that Lau’s entourage seemed to be lacking in fanfare, compared with the crowd of about 300 people who had gathered to support the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Azrul Mahathir Aziz, who is from Amanah.

Azrul, who is defending his Bayan Lepas seat, was accompanied by supporters from both PH and Barisan Nasional (BN).

There will be a straight fight for the Bayan Lepas seat between Azrul and Lau, who is also a senator, with nominations now closed.