Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin believed that the DAP would be using the ongoing spat between Gerakan and PPP to drum up support during the the Machap by-election.

Khairy claimed that the DAP would try to hide its own weaknesses by highlighting the internal problems of the BN.

"We all know that the DAP will contest in Machap, but PKR has announced it will pave the way for DAP to field a candidate in this by-election on condition the PKR is allowed to contest in Machap the next time around.

"This showed there is no understanding and cooperation among opposition parties while we in the BN although there are some bickering, they're resolved amicably," said Khairy in a Bernama report.

Moderate campaign

On Umno youth's preparations for the polls, Khairy said several areas in the constituency had already been identified for campaigning.

"We will campaign 'moderately' because we want to ensure that this win would be with a bigger majority than before," he added.

The Machap state seat fell vacant after Poh Ah Tiam, 55, passed away on March 15. During the 2004 general election, the Poh Ah Tiam trounced DAP candidate Liou Chen Kuang with a 4,562 majority.

There are 9,623 eligible voters in the seat. Nomination day is on April 3 while polling day is on April 12.