Drumming up similar sentiments was Keng Yaik. He said he had come to Penang after sleepless nights over the possibility that Penangites may fall for the opposition agenda - that voting for Gerakan and MCA would strengthen Umno�s dominance.

With his usual animated expressions, the seasoned politician recalled BN�s major defeat in the 1990 general election in the state. Umno won 12 seats, Gerakan retained only seven and MCA lost all.

"As the Gerakan president then, I had to take seven Gerakan state assemblypersons to see Mahathir when Umno had 12. I still break out in a cold sweat remembering that time...not just sweating, I was bleeding actually!" he said in Hokkien, eliciting laughter.

Keng Yaik reiterated that Anwar is "anti-Chinese" and "a chameleon", and alleged that the latter has practised money politics.

Camera & editing: Ng Kok Foong
Reporting: Beh Lih Yi