PAS won’t stand in PD, says its sec-gen

Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan. -filepic

KOTA BARU: PAS is not contesting the vacated Port Dickson seat, but instead it would support any Barisan Nasional candidate fielded against PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said they would support either Umno or MIC candidates contesting the seat, in line with their determination to strengthen the opposition in Parliament.

"We will support any opposition party, be it Umno or MIC," he said in a statement.

The announcement would appear to pave the way for a direct contest between Umno and PKR as MIC has just announced that it will not be contesting.

In a special central committee meeting chaired by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in Kuala Terengganu on Thursday (Sept 13), PAS decided not to contest in the by-election.

Takiyuddin said it was against good democratic practices to force a by-election, as it incurs wastage of public funds.

Takiyuddin said as PAS' chances of winning the seat was slim, they would rather support another opposition party contesting the hot seat.

The Port Dickson seat was left vacant following the resignation of its elected representative Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah to pave the way for Anwar to contest.