Malaysiakini brings you the latest election news and snippets from around the web. Find out who is up to what and where, who's saying what about who and why, and who's planning what against who and how!

Bernama

Government allocated RM590mln to alleviate hardcore poverty, says Abdullah

The government has allocated RM590 million to help the hardcore poor in the country under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) so that they can lead better and more comfortable lives, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said that so far some 12,950 hardcore poor had benefitted as a result and that many of their dilapidated houses had also been repaired under the Poor People's Housing Programme (PPRT).

Abdul Hadi doing a disservice to Islam, says Syed Hamid

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's assertion yesterday that it is okay for PAS candidates contesting in the general election to character assassinate their opponents, only did a disservice to Islam, said Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

"They can try all sorts of tactics in trying to win but do not mix it with religion. It's people like this that cause others to have a low opinion of Islam."

Radio24-KPAPB collaboration in raising general election awareness

Radio24, Malaysia's only news radio, has launched a campaign to create public awareness on the general election through its collaboration with Koperasi Pengangkutan Awam Putrajaya Bhd (KPAPB).

Radio24 director Sheikh Raffie Abd Rahman said besides fulfilling the radio station's corporate social responsibility, the programme was also in line with the growth of the Radio24 brand and KPAPB.

The Star

Pullout gives BN its 11th victory

Barisan Nasional increased its tally of seats won uncontested to 11 when a PKR candidate in Sabah pulled out from the Gum Gum state seat.

The surprise withdrawal by Mohaspa Mohd Hassan that gave Umno incumbent Zakaria Mohd Edris victory came less than three hours after PKR leaders confidently declared that none of their 77 candidates would drop out of the race.

Don't vote with emotions, Indians urged

The Indian community should not vote against the Barisan Nasional just because emotions are running high, said Perak Gerakan chief Chang Ko Youn.

"Cool down and keep your emotions in check. Please bear in mind that DAP cannot do anything for you," he said after visiting voters at Ladang Ulu Ayer Tawar on Wednesday.

"If we (the Barisan) lose, who is going to help you? You will regret your decision."

Tit-for-tat billboard battle

The bitter political rivalry between Sarawak DAP and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has become very public with their candidates squaring off against each other via huge public billboards.

The two sworn political enemies are engaging in a tit-for-tat billboard war, trying to outshine each other by trading political tirades for all to see along highways, roundabouts and public markets.

News Straits Times

People not gullible, says Abdullah

Abdullah said the opposition, devoid of ideas, was resorting to pitting the people against each other in a desperate bid to win support.

The prime minister said the opposition, also envious of the Barisan Nasional government, was claiming that the Chinese would not vote for BN.

"They want the people to be at odds with one another. They want the Malays to get upset.

EC despatches postal votes to 26 Sarawak constituencies

The countdown to polling had begun. Today, the Sarawak Election Commission despatched ballot papers for the 16,142 postal voters, mostly policemen, servicemen in the armed forces and their spouses, in the remaining 26 constituencies.

Political sketches on YouTube.com

Young people are determined to take part in this year's elections. Youth For Change (Y4C) has launched a series of sketches named the "YB Series" to highlight certain issues to young voters.

The four short videos (uploaded on YouTube.com) is aimed at poking fun while highlighting certain issues.

Y4C convener Lee Khai Loon said subtitles for the videos will be made available in three languages (Chinese, English and Tamil).

Lee said: "Besides the short video, we will also hand out pamphlets to voters around Klang."