PAS is getting worried over the Kelantanese's waning support for it and their greater acceptance of Umno, said state Umno liaison committee chairperson Mustapa Mohamed.

He said this was evident in the people's rejection of PAS in the by-election for the Galas state seat and the slim victory of the PAS candidate in the by-election for the Manik Urai state seat before that.

"They were riled up when we launched the Red Wave programme (to recapture Kelantan) and tore down our banners on the initiative.

"They are also worried about the poor attendance at their ceramah (talks) while hundreds and even thousands of people attend Umno's programmes," he told reporters after opening the Kelantan Umno convention in Pasir Puteh last night.

Mustapa, who is international trade and industry minister, said state Umno would consolidate itself further to convince the people to vote for the BN in the next general election.

He also said that a Kelantan BN convention would be held as part of the preparation for the general election.

- Bernama

Ex-Jeli MP acquitted over false claims