SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2004
Malaysian govt urges Schumacher fans to vote first
AFP
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 20 (AFP) Malaysia's politicians are worried that the real winner in Sunday's national elections may be Formula One champion Michael Schumacher.
The Malaysian Grand Prix clashes with the vote and officials are concerned that fans will head for the track rather than the polling booth.
"I urge voters who are Formula One fans to vote first. After that you are all clear to watch the race," said Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy.
Judging by the buzz of excitement around the hotels and bars with special Grand Prix promotions in the capital Kuala Lumpur, he has reason to be concerned.
Ruling party flags flutter forlornly from every palm tree and lamp-post in the town, ignored by crowds gawking at the Ferraris, BMWs and race paraphernalia on show.
The chairman of the Sepang International Circuit outside the city tried to ease concerns, telling local newspapers that fans had plenty of time to vote as the race only begins in the afternoon.
Schumacher, Ferrari's ace German driver, finished narrowly ahead of rival Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams after the final practice on Saturday.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, meanwhile, is widely tipped to beat arch-foe Abdul Hadi Awang of the fundamentalist Islamic Party (PAS).
The two men were still campaigning on Saturday, but Abdullah is due to attend the race on Sunday -- presumably after voting.
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