PAS leaders today embarked on their campaign onslaught into the heart of Pasir Mas town - a crucial area where the competition is expected to be very stiff.

Party observers said that the town area has the most number of fence sitters and it is very difficult to determine their stand. The majority of the 893 Chinese voters said to be the determining factor in the election - are residing in the town.

This morning, Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Ahmad Yaakob and Executive Councilor Takiyuddin Hassan held an official function along a busy road next to Pasar Besar Pasir Mas to announce the construction of a RM56 million business area which includes a wet market to replace the existing one.

In his speech, Ahmad said the harmony among Chinese and Malay traders have come a long way and this proved that the PAS government protects the rights of all races.

"Where else in this country can you find a Malay and Chinese trader sharing a same shop. The Malay will sell nasi kerabu (a local delicacy) while the Chinese will sell drinks. So the allegation that there is no racial harmony in Kelantan under PAS is untrue," he said.

Not an empty promise

In his speech, Takiyuddin denied that the announcement of the project is an election gimmick stating that the project has been earmarked since early this year.

"This is not an empty promise. Whether we win this by-election or not, this project will still go on."

Met later, Takiyuddin said he was satisfied with the party's campaign as PAS leaders had covered all areas.

"We've done what we could and have assured people what we can do. So it's really up to them now."

About two hours later, PAS candidate Hanipa Mat Yatim wearing a red batik shirt and a smile - was seen meeting the Chinese traders of Pasir Mas. Flanked by Parti Keadilan Rakyat youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor and information chief Tian Chua, he was greeted and warmly welcomed by the traders.

However, a party worker warned that the warm greetings may not be translated into votes.

"The people here are down to earth. They will not be rude. But these are fence sitters whom PAS has to woo."

'Tok Guru is a good man'

But the question is, can PAS woo the Chinese voters?

PKR election worker Liau Kok Fah said based on his interaction with the local people, he expected a tough fight for PAS but was confident that the five percent support PAS got in the last elections will increase.

"We expect more Chinese to support PAS. We hope it will be as high as 30 percent this time."

A visit at the area revealed that sentiments among local Chinese traders are 50-50.

"I will support Tok Guru (Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat)," said a trader selling shoes. "He is a good man."

But another trader who runs a sundry shop said he preferred BN as he wanted to see more development for the area.

"If PAS wins it will be the same for us. Maybe if BN wins we can see some difference."