The air in Pendang is currently filled with anticipation and anxiety as Umno and PAS the two arch rivals contesting for the parliamentary seat await the results of the by-election.

Barisan Nasional is confident of wresting the Pendang parliamentary seat from PAS with a majority of about 1,000 votes, an Umno leader told malaysiakini today.

Pendang Umno division leader Abdul Malek Manaf said he was informed by all the party's operation centres that the "signs are positive for Umno".

"So far voter turnout is about 50 percent (at 3pm) which is a very good sign," he said.

Malek's PAS counterparts were also confident although they conceded that there will be a reduced majority.

PAS central committee member Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli said that situation in Pendang is "cool" but the party expects some shift in Chinese votes due to the controversy surrounding the recently-passed hudud law in Terengganu.

"We may lose the Chinese votes we received in the last general election," he said when contacted in Pendang today.

PAS candidate for the constituency Dr Mohamad Hayati Othman who is currently visiting the interiors of Pendang said he had visited all polling stations in the area and found the situation "very positive".

'50-50 in Pendang and 51-49 in Anak Bukit'

PAS member of Parliament for Kubang Kerian Husam Musa was, however, a little cautious.

"I would say it is 50-50 in Pendang and 51-49 in Anak Bukit," said Husam, when contacted in Alor Setar.

"We received information from our workers that Umno is leading by 481 in Anak Bukit. This is according to the voter registration in the Umno's pondok panas (canvassing booth)," he added.

However, Husam said he is still confident as those who register their names in Umno's pondok panas may not necessarily vote for the party.

"But those who register in our pondok panas will definitely vote for us," he said.

Polling booths closed at 5.30pm and results are expected at 8pm for Anak Bukit and 10pm for Pendang.