Alor Star is his hometown and the suburb of Kubang Pasu has been his constituency for decades.

CNN: FIGHTING WORDS

In Alor Star, the state headquarters of Barisan is abuzz over the impending visit of the coalition's leader, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

CNN: FIGHTING WORDS

Thus on March 21, three days before he left for the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca), Mahathir began his roadshow in Alor Star's 35, 000-seat football stadium.

CNN: FIGHTING WORDS

In April, a 16-year-old schoolboy filed a case in the courts in the northern city of Alor Star claiming he had been beaten in custody by police investigating arson in his school.

CNN: Trials of Malaysia's Finest