IPOH: The war of billboards has begun in Tambun.

A billboard of Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a black suit on a red color background has been erected in Tambun along the North-South Expressway.

The words Harapan Rakyat Malaysia on the billboard portrays him as the prime minister designate for Pakatan Harapan.

People driving along the highway can’t miss the giant billboard in Tambun, where Anwar contests against three other candidates for the parliamentary seat.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is defending the seat, has placed another billboard which reads, “Dari Tambun Susur Keluar Ke Utara 50m” which means exit to the north from Tambun 50 m away.

Dark blue, the official color of Perikatan Nasional, is used as the color of the billboard’s background.

The billboard does not have the logo of any political party nor the image of an election candidate. It indeed looks like just another signboard showing direction.

The message on the billboard seems to be hinting that Anwar should leave Tambun and head north to Penang, where his hometown is.

Earlier, a billboard which reads: “Never lost in Tambun” with the face of Faizal was erected at the same place a week ago.

A creative play with the word “lost” hints that Faizal has not been defeated in Tambun nor has he lost his direction in Tambun.

It could also mean that Faizal has never disappeared from Tambun, taking a swipe at Anwar as an outsider.

The billboard has since been replaced with the latest billboard showing direction to the north from Tambun.

Faizal is also featured in another billboard nearby where he is seated on a sofa surrounded by his wife and in-laws with the words: Mohon Doa Restu (seeking blessings).

Faizal’s signature is also featured on the billboard.

The billboard replaced an earlier one featuring Faizal with children.

The message of Ayoh bukan Ayad is also playing with the pronunciation used by locals and Anwar when referring to water.

The Tambun parliamentary seat will see a four-cornered fight in the 15th general election.

Faizal is defeating his seat against Anwar, Umno’s Tambun division chief Datuk Aminnudin Md Hanafiah, and Pejuang’s Abdul Rahim Tahir.