Barisan Nasional deputy chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that a wind of change is blowing across the Permatang Pasir constituency on polling day favouring the federal ruling coalition.

Based on grassroots feedback accumulated during his tour across the constituency today, he could sense that there was an inclination in the people's mood leaning towards BN.

"Perhaps there is a wind of change blowing in the constituency . . . the people's mood is not the same as in during the Permatang Pauh by-elections and general elections (both last year).

"Our ground election leaders and workers have informed me that many voters were responsive towards us.

"They seem to want to help us to win this contest," the deputy premier told a press conference at Seberang Jaya at noon.

When asked to rate BN candidate Rohaizat Othman's chances of winning, he said he was optimistic but declined to comment whether the coalition could wrest the seat from PAS.

"It's difficult to predict.

"We will know in a few hours time . . . need not rush.

Chances of winning are good

"But I see our chances are good," he said, adding that Umno would not have entered into the contest if it did not foresee its chances.

Muhyiddin also called on the nearly remaining 50 per cent of voters, who have yet to cast their ballots by noon, to come out and exercise their democratic rights.

So far he said he was satisfied with the voters' turnout and smooth operations of the electoral process.

He forecasted that the overall turnout may match the 82 per cent turnout in the same constituency in last year's general election or even exceed it.

Permatang Pasir has 20,290 registered voters.

NONE Local Umno leader Rohaizat faces off Pakatan Rakyat candidate Mohd Salleh Man from PAS in a straight fight in the by-election being held following the death of incumbent PAS representative Mohd Hamdan Abdul Rahman, on July 31.

'Phantom voters'

On the subject of phantom voters, Muhyiddin said Umno youth raised the allegations that some 3,000 such voters exist in the constituency based on direct ground observation.

He said the Election Commission should seriously look into the problem and rectify any mistake.

So far, he said the EC had only replied that all voters in the electoral list were genuine valid voters.

"I suggest for Umno members to check and protest if they find any discrepancies during the next electoral list verification process," he said.

Muhyiddin also said he was happy with the smooth running of the election process up until now, despite one or two unwanted incidents.

"The EC and police have done a good job to keep the situation calm, peaceful and orderly so far," he said.

He called on supporters of both rival parties to observe the election laws and avoid campaigning on polling day.

However, he said he could understand that some supporters would be carried away with sentiments due to their enthusiasm to ensure victory for respective parties.

"But that should not provoke others from triggering an untoward incident and creating an intimidating atmosphere for the voters," he told newsmen.