Last chance for BN and PKR to woo voters

BUTTERWORTH: The Permatang Pauh by-election campaign, which has gripped the nation over the last two weeks, enters its final phase with both the Barisan Nasional and PKR doing all they can to woo last-minute support.

The Umno and PKR candidates are caught in a three-cornered fight, but they know that the third contestant can, at best, only play the spoiler’s role.

The marathon home calls and visits to markets, food courts and other public areas, and the nightly ceramah has taken its toll on both sides and it is left to be seen as to who has employed the most effective tactics.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is the Umno president, will make another appearance in the constituency to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the Barisan’s bid for victory.

His deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, has been a permanent feature in the area, criss-crossing Permatang Pauh to cover the length and breadth of the vastly rural constituency, speaking at four to five events daily.

PKR candidate Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the party’s de facto leader, has stepped up the pace of his campaigning in view of the potent threat posed by his likeable challenger Umno’s Datuk Ariff Shah Omar Shah.

To add to the carnival air here, convoys of party members on motorcycles and cars have been moving around narrow roads in Permatang Pauh.

The gruelling and neck-breaking campaigning aside, Barisan and PKR are also seeking divine intervention with prayers held at various mosques over the last 48 hours.

PAS Mursyidul Am Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who is the Kelantan Mentri Besar, joined PKR in a mammoth sembahyang hajat (prayer seeking divine help) at the Bandar Perda mosque last night.

Anwar, met during his campaign rounds yesterday, said he would give it his best shot to retain the seat held by his wife, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, for the last three terms.

Former Anwar allies, Ezam Mohd Noor and Datuk S. Nallakaruppan, have been lending support to the Barisan campaign and have made startling revelations against the PKR leader.


Source : The Star