RANTAU: The state seat here will see a straight fight between a federal Minister and a Pas state deputy commissioner.

Barisan’s Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan from Umno will be defending his Rantau seat against Rozmal Malakan from PAS.

Rozmal arrived at the SK Bandar Sri Sendayan nomination centre at 8.49am, clad in a green baju Melayu as his supporters were seen waving flags and reciting prayers close by.

At the other end of the road, Mohamad Hasan, affectionately known as Tok Mat to many here, was greeted with a sea of blue and red, with coalition partner Pakatan Harapan in tow among the supporters.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong joined in the group supporting Mohamad Hasan

When met outside the nomination centre, Mohamad Hasan said the election machinery should get to work to unite as many voters as possible.

He also apologised in advance to supporters as he said he would be unable to be “at all places every time”.

“I hope all are not disappointed if there are areas where I am unable to go, I also need to help my friends who are also contesting. What is important is that our machinery is able to work properly and smoothly during this campaign period," said Mohamad.

“We respect all (candidates) that enter the election. It’s like a game of football and with the ball being round the situation is always rotating and can change. Current issues are also fluid,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rozmal said that he is glad that he is the underdog in this fight.

“He is the heavyweight and I am the underdog but I prefer it that way because there is no pressure as the underdog. As the underdog we are free to plan to execute what we planned for this campaign period. In an election anything can happen,”he said.

He added that he saw no issues in convincing non-Malay voters to vote for him due to his professional experience.

“I was in quality assurance in a factory and all races worked together well. A leader cannot just order around and to work we need to accept all views and work as a team," said Rozmal

Earlier in the day, deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay made a visit to the centre to inspect preparations, along with Negri Sembilan police chief Dep Comm Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof.