PAS' alleged act in using a doctored picture in its campaign leaflet for the Sungai Limau by-election was tantamount to a betrayal of the community, said Jerai Umno division head Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

The minister in the Prime Minister's Department said he had received many calls from the public, expressing shock over PAS' action which he described as borne out of desperation to win the by-election.

"This is a major fraud which should not have happened. We would accept if they claim the candidate was Azizan's student or disciple," he told reporters after attending an agriculture and agro-based industry ministry goodwill event with residents of Sungai Limau near here Monday.

He was commenting on the distribution of PAS campaign leaflets which showed its candidate, Mohd Azam Abd Samat, in a picture with the late Kedah menteri besar, Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak.

However, Sinar Harian rubbished the picture, saying it was in reality, that of its two journalists during a visit to Azizan's office on May 25, 2011.

Sinar Harian said the picture was doctored using 'photoshop technique' to superimpose Mohd Azam's face on the face of one of the journalists.

Jamil Khir said:" This is a betrayal of the mind, credibility and integrity of the community. This is not even the final push to the election finishing line and yet, there is such a major fraud".

Meanwhile, Jamil Khir, who is also Jerai member of parliament, under which Sungai Limau is one of the state constituencies, hoped farmers, especially padi farmers, would find additional sources of income through various aid and assistance provided by the government.

At the event, he also presented zakat from the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) amounting to RM60,000, to 400 recipients.

Meanwhile, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir described PAS' action as an insult to the voters in the Sungai Limau by-election.

He said the action showed as if the voters were incapable of evaluating the candidates that PAS had to resort to doctoring the picture to gain the confidence of voters.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a gathering with Kuala Muda and Yan teachers here today.

Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil felt the PAS' attempt was embarassing.

"I am ashamed for them for carrying out such despicable work," she told reporters after a programme at the Sungai Dedap polling centre here today.