PETALING JAYA: The absence of top PAS leaders during nomination day (Saturday, April 27) for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election should not be turned into an issue, says party information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.
He said the majority of the party leaders had to attend a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Perlis on the same day, which was planned in advance.
"Top Selangor PAS leaders are still in Kuala Kubu Baharu and many PAS senior leaders participated in previous campaign activities," he said in a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday (April 28).
On Saturday, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil took a swipe at PAS leaders for not showing up on nomination day.
PAS' Aidilfitri open house in Kangar, Perlis was held from 11am to 2pm on Saturday.
In a separate post, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said he attended the Hari Raya open house in Perlis.
"The event was attended by many including those from other races, Muslims, non-Muslims and even priests.
Abdul Hadi said Perlis was chosen to host the open house as a show of appreciation for supporters and voters who had placed their trust in PAS and Perikatan Nasional.
The KKB by-election sees a four-cornered fight between candidates from Pakatan, Perikatan, Parti Rakyat Malaysia and an Independent candidate.
It is being held due to the demise of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, 58, from DAP, on March 21 due to cancer.
Polling day is set for May 11, with early voting scheduled for May 7.
