Introduction

The constituencies of Kepong and Titiwangsa are within the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Although neither is too far from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, the ethnic composition of these two districts differs sharply. While Kepong has a majority of 89 per cent Chinese voters, Titiwangsa has a majority of 70 per cent Malay voters. Also, the former district has a higher percentage of upper-middle-class voters and the latter has a more balanced mix of middle-class and lower-income households. The contesting political parties' different emphases, as they campaigned on national and local issues tailored specifically for these different groups of voters, played crucial roles in shaping the campaign. Comparison of these distinct contests – the issues raised, strategies preferred, resources deployed and, of course, results in the end – demonstrates the real variation to be found among urban voters and the inadequacy of assuming a common ‘urban’ dynamic across constituencies, even within just one city.

Progress of the campaign

These campaigns had significant similarities, such as their reliance on ceramah (political rallies), walkabouts and the distribution of campaign literature to voters. However, the presence of a strong incumbent in Kepong and an emphasis on land issues in Titiwangsa set these two campaigns apart. The fact that this land issue, centred around the urban village of Kampung Baru, is entangled with a communal slant also differentiates the campaigns.

Kepong: A DAP stronghold

A district that is largely dominated by Chinese voters, Kepong has a mixed middle-class and upper-middle-class electorate. Among the locals are, for instance, businessman, professionals, entrepreneurs, hawkers and blue-collar workers. Kepong is also home to many residents' associations, hawkers' associations and temple associations. Interestingly, beneath this relatively calm area also lie secret societies. While we cannot say whether these secret societies were involved, explosives were found at one DAP election booth in Kepong two days prior to the election.