PAS will distribute daily newsletters and screen election messages on video compact discs (VCDs) to boost its chances in the Pengkalan Pasir by-election, said vice-president Husam Musa.

Stating that it will be an "uphill battle" to counter BN's giant election machinery, he said PAS has made plans to ensure that voters are not force-fed one-sided information, particularly by the print and electronic media.

"The BN and Umno have the mainstream media behind them. PAS is hardly given any space. So we have decided to provide alternative news to the people. One strategy is to relay information through VCDs which will be screened in strategic locations," he said.

PAS also plans to publish a daily newsletter that will be distributed free of charge to the public.

"It will give accurate information about the party and we will try to counter any allegations against us that could cloud voters' judgment," said Husam, who is also PAS Kelantan deputy commissioner.

It is understood that Harakahdaily editor Zulkifli Sulong has been roped in to head the operations. The first newsletter goes out on Friday.

PAS is also bracing for unlawful campaign practices like money politics which Husam alleged to be rampant in Umno.

"The only way to counter this is to hold face-to-face meetings with voters as frequently as we can to ensure that they are not persuaded by such tactics. We will try to advise the people through our ceramah (public talks) not to succumb to dishonest tactics," he said.

Anwar factor

PAS further plans to capitalise on former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the constituency on Nov 27. He had pledged to campaign for the party.

Anwar, whose ceramah in Kelantan often draw thousands, will make a strong impact on the Pengkalan Pasir voters, said Husam.

"Anwar speaks with authority on corrupt practices of Umno and BN, and this will be the highlight of our campaign. The voters must be told of the rampant abuse of power that has caused government-linked companies to suffer losses as has happened in Bank Islam and Malaysia Airlines ."

He added that voters would be interested in such information as the majority are successful business persons and government officers.

Muslimat (women's wing) leader Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said PAS is aware of the challenges it will face throughout the election campaign.

"We know what we are up against ..we are facing the entire federal government which is now putting all its efforts into winning the contest."

She said the wing would have a hard time countering the aggressive campaigning of Puteri Umno (the young women's wing of Umno).

"In terms of spirit, we are certainly not second best. Puteri Umno has no financial constraints as we do. But we have already laid out programmes like door-to-door visits and anak angkat project, and will hope for the best."

She said Muslimat leaders in other states will report for duty from today to assist election workers.