JOHOR BARU: A tractor, mangosteen, building, kettle, hoe and key are some of the symbols available for Independent candidates in the state election.

       For the public, these election symbols are ordinary, everyday things that separate one Independent candidate from another.

       As nomination day closed, the symbols booked by the candidates comprised an elephant, a key, tree, book, pen, tractor and house.

       For Independent candidate Mohd Azwan Abd Rahman, 40, a lot of thought was put into choosing the pen as a symbol to represent his candidacy.

       The international schoolteacher and tuition centre owner said the pen was a natural choice for him as it represented “where knowledge begins”.

       “The word ‘pen’ is also an acronym for pendidikan (education), ekonomi (economy) and negara (nation). These are three areas I will focus on if I win,” he said in an interview.

       Mohd Azwan, also known as Cikgu Azwan, is in a seven-cornered fight for the Kempas state seat.

       Maharani Independent candidate Lim Kim Joo, 58, chose the elephant symbol as it represented majesty and respect.

       “It is also fast and strong, and has quick instincts that allow it to sense danger and plan its next move.

       “This is how a good leader should be – smart and far-sighted enough to plan ahead,” he said.

       Lim, who has worked as a special officer to two opposition politicians, said he looked up to Indonesia President Joko Widodo, who created good policies for his people.

       “Our rakyat is tired of listening to all sorts of sweet talk. They want leaders who have the courage to speak up against what is wrong,” he added.

       The elephant symbol is a popular choice among the Independent candidates.

       Tiram candidate P. Bala Sundaram, 49, hoped that the symbol of the largest land mammal would give him strength in the six-cornered fight for the state seat.

       Among the challenges of being a first-time candidate was having to do everything on his own, such as printing his own campaign materials and attending Election Commission (EC) meetings and police briefings.

       “Win or lose, I hope to give my all and soak in as much knowledge as possible,” said the father of five.

       Zainal Baharom A Kadir, 63, who is in a five-way contest for the Tangkak seat, said he chose the tree symbol to represent a leader who provides shelter for those under its care.

       He said the tree symbol also reflected his interest in agriculture as he aims to promote urban farming among B40 families and those whose livelihoods had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

       A total of 16 Independent candidates are contesting in the Johor polls set for March 12.

       Three candidates are using the elephant symbol, with three others using the pen symbol.

       The rest are using the alarm clock (two), shirt (two), key (two), and tree, tractor, book and house symbols (one each).

       On the EC website, a total of 28 symbols are listed for Independent candidates to choose from.

       The other symbols include a rabbit, bag, book, spectacles, ring, glass, aeroplane, car, chair, horse, table, motorcycle and boat.

       Other choices are a neck tie, telephone, television and prawn.