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THE battle for votes from the Malay heartland of Permatang Pauh heats up as the by-election on 26 Aug 2008 draws nearer. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is marshalling the resources of Parti Keadilan Rakyat and its Pakatan Rakyat partner PAS in countering Umno’s efforts to play up the sodomy allegations against him. The Barisan Nasional, whose candidate Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah is touting his personal touch in reaching out to voters, is relying on a tried-and-tested formula to win the hearts and minds of the people by appealing to their loyalty, providing free meals and offering funds for development.
