Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on the voters in Terengganu to support the Barisan Nasional (BN) if they want to see their state become prosperous and developed.

He claimed the PAS government has done nothing for Terengganu and the people there are impatient for the return of the ruling front.

He also expressed hope that the overwhelming response shown by the people there would translate to votes come polling day tomorrow.

"If the people give us a big mandate to form the state and federal governments, I'll be very thankful.

"I feel the response from the people shows that they are with me to bring development to this state and Malaysia," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report today.

The premier said this when addressing some 1,500 members of the Chinese community at a school in Kuala Terengganu last night. Accompanying him were Terengganu Umno liaison committee deputy chief Idris Jusoh and several BN candidates.

Development programmes

Abdullah said BN has lined up programmes for Terengganu in anticipation of being voted to power in the state.

He added that the people should support the front as it has a proven track record of bringing development to the people and country.

"If you all give us a big mandate, not only Terengganu but the whole country will see rapid development," he stressed.

Abdullah, who is also Terengganu Umno chief, hopes that the people there would understand BN's noble intention of wanting to bring prosperity to the state, reduce unemployment and abolish poverty.

He said BN also wants to develop the agricultural and fishery sectors in Terengganu to provide a better future for the farmers and fishermen.

"This is not a dream. We will carry them out but we have to get the mandate of the people in this election," he said to the shouts of approval from those present.

The east coast state fell into the hands of PAS in the last election and pundits are predicting a 50-50 battle this time around.

In the 1999 general election, BN won only four of the 32 state seats and none of the eight parliamentary seats in Terengganu.

PAS also controls neighbouring Kelantan, which is its traditional stronghold.

According to Bernama , PAS president and Terengganu menteri besar Abdiul Hadi Awang stated yesterday that his party was prepared for a defeat.

"We are used to defeats because we have been defeated throughout the general elections except for the last one. We have more experience in facing defeats than accepting victory," he said.