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Umno operates free clinics in Pendang
Published:  Jul 16, 2002 9:24 AM
Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM

Umno is hoping to heal its way to a victory in this Thursday's Pendang by-election in Kedah through the setting up of six clinics to provide free service in the area.

According to a Bernama report today, the clinics were set up by Johor Umno which has been tasked to take care of about 6,000 voters from six areas in Pendang.

Johor Umno by-election director Abdul Hamid Abdul Rahman said the party was aiming to win voters with the people-friendly approach.

"So far, about 1,000 people from all walks of life have sought treatment at the clinics which began operation three days ago and we expect the figure to double before polling day" he said.

"With direct contact and some human touch with the voters, we don't need to use words for campaigning," added Hamid, who is also the member of Parliament for Benut,

The clinics, whose doctors and nurses are Umno members from Johor, carry out their services from Barisan Nasional operation centres in Kubor Panjang, Perapok, Mahawangsa, Kampung China, Kubang Pisang and Kampung Belat.

Treating PAS members

"We started the project late because initially we feared poor response but to our surprise, the response was so good and even PAS members sought treatment there," said Hamid, adding that most of the patients were treated for fever, cough and itchy skin.

The by-election for the Pendang parliamentary seat was called following the death of PAS president Fadzil Noor last month.

His death also left the neighbouring Anak Bukit state seat vacant and a by-election will be held on the same day.

The by-elections are seen as crucial for the ruling Barisan Nasional which saw its dominance in Kedah threatened by PAS in the last general elections held in 1999.

PAS won eight out of the 15 parliamentary seats and 12 out of the 36 state seats.

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