The opposition is exploiting the Sept 11 terrorist attacks against the United States in the Sarawak's election campaign ahead of Thursday's polls in a desperate bid to fish for votes.

A flyer distributed at a Keadilan gathering in Kuching yesterday warned Muslim voters not to endorse cruelty and injustice for they will incur the wrath of God, and cited the terror attacks in the US as an example.

The flyer added that America was "punished" for its cruelty towards Muslim communities in Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and other countries.

The flyer also labelled Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a "cruel and unjust" man who could not produce four credible witnesses, as warranted by the Syariah law, to substantiate his sodomy accusation against former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

"As long as Mahathir is Barisan Nasional's great leader whoever assists, helps, cooperate and votes for BN is considered to have supported cruelty and injustices," read the flyer.

"They would be questioned by Allah and punished with a terrible punishment in this world and hereafter," it warned.

Keadilan is helmed by Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The party was formed in 1999 after Anwar was found guilty on charges of corruption and sodomy. He is currently serving a 15- year jail term.

Undignified campaigning

Last week, DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang cautioned against the exploitation of the terrorist attacks on the US, which is blamed on Saudi-born alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden.

He said that the exploitation of the issue would bring shame to the elections and to the international reputation of Malaysians.

The attacks on New York's World Trade Center and Washington's Pentagon claimed the lives of about 7,000 people.

Lim urged all political parties and candidates in Sarawak to make a solemn vow not to resort to a "despicable campaign of lies and fear" just to get votes for polling.

"This is not only utterly devoid of dignity and decency but shows utter contempt for the thousand of lives lost in New York and Washington," said Lim.

Meanwhile, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president George Chan was reported as saying that personal attacks he faced at this election was the worst compared to his previous four experiences.

The 'boisterous' tactics imported by Peninsula-based party Keadilan and DAP could lead to violence, said the deputy chief minister who is standing as a candidate in the Piasau constituency.

Chan said he would re-assess the situation tomorrow as his party's legal advisors have been collecting evidence on allegations or publications which were defamatory and liable to legal actions.

Sarawak is in the midst of one of the most exciting state elections. However, one is yet to feel the campaign heat although polling day is three days away.

The ruling Barisan Nasional led by chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud will face opposition parties DAP, Keadilan, PAS and Star (State Reform Party).

The Sarawak state legislative assembly is the highest law-making body in the state, comprising 62 seats where a total of 868,487 eligible voters will cast their ballot.