Monday, February 25, 2008

ELECTION 2008: Size really does matter to some

From NST

KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to attracting voters, does bigger always mean better?

The previous general election saw an array of posters, banners and buntings, in various sizes, promoting the various political parties.

Running high on election fever, Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd recently came up with a huge banner, covering half of its building, in a show of support for Barisan National.

The banner which carries the words Maju Bersama Barisan National (Progress with BN) will be up throughout the election campaign period.

A company spokesperson said the banner which covered 23 floors of the building was put up on Valentine's day.

Meanwhile, Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok, whose picture is on a billboard overlooking the LDP highway here, said the picture was originally meant for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

"The poster wasn't intended for the campaign. It was for my Chinese New Year greeting and was planned as a series of inspirational messages for my constituents.

"I might use the space later for the election campaign," he said.

DAP Selangor secretary Lau Weng San said the party had adopted a moderate approach in its campaign strategy.

"We just use buntings, banners and flags. We tend to focus more on the personal touch and the candidates.

"Malaysian voters, especially in urban areas, are aware of issues in the country.

"Big posters or billboards are not going to impact the voting. It's the track record of the candidates that matters," he said.

PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar said it all depended on the how much the candidates could afford to fork out on their campaigns.

"Advertising on billboards is expensive, plus some advertising companies won't want to rent the space for us," he said.

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