Umno information chief Annuar Musa today said that BN is confident of its candidate's capabilities to win over Chinese votes previously lost to the DAP.

"As far as I understand, the Chinese community is pragmatic when it comes to politics.

"They can sit (be a member) with one party but vote for another," Annuar told reporters at the BN media centre in Sungai Besar.

Annuar also said the government will continue to approach the Chinese voters in both Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, and rally support for its candidates.

"Sometimes the people want to give a certain signal. We cannot take this lightly.

"We will continue to approach our friends from the Chinese community," said the Ketereh MP.

Annuar added that BN's Budiman Mohd Zohdi has also gone on the ground to meet with Chinese voters in the area.

"I am optimistic. I am telling the Chinese voters in Sungai Besar ... give the mandate to Budiman because he can support your aspirations," he said.

Amanah ahead of PAS

Separately, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) communication director Khalid Samad cited several internal surveys which showed that the PAS-splinter group is ahead of the Islamist party but behind BN.

He said that Amanah will work hard for the rest of the campaign period and raise the voter turnout rate.

"A survey showed we have 52 percent support, but another showed BN leading with 60 percent.

"Currently, BN and Amanah are the number one and number two in this by-election. PAS' support rate is lower than us.

"We will make sure voters who work outside Sungai Besar comes back to vote," says Khalid Samad during a press conference at Amanah's operations centre in Sungai Besar today.

He also stressed that Amanah did not just aim to beat PAS but also BN.

"One of the surveys also shows that we have better support in Sungai Besar than Kuala Kangsar," revealed Khalid.

He hinted that Amanah may hold a press conference tomorrow to announce some Umno members who are set to join Amanah.