HULU SELANGOR: The absence of PAS leaders on nomination day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election was because the Islamist party had scheduled several meetings in Perlis the same day, says Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin.
"They are working hard to ensure victory in Kuala Kubu Baharu. So, don't pay much attention to what the Communications Minister said," Radzi said, referring to a remark by Fahmi Fadzil, who took a swipe at the no-show of PAS leaders on nomination day (April 27).
"We have begun our efforts today... God-willing, we will ensure the mobilisation of the entire machinery and we will ensure Perikatan's victory on the 11th," he told reporters after a mini-ceramah on Jalan Kuala Kali in Kuala Kubu Baru on Sunday (April 28).
PAS leaders were noticeably absent during nomination day but party information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said most of its leaders were attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Perlis on the same day and it was planned in advance.
Radzi also said elections are not about ethnicity when it comes to voter turnout.
"In the context of an election, it is not about ethnicity. We want those voters going out to cast their ballot for us.
"However, data shows that Malay voters are with Perikatan," he added.
Radzi also disagreed that Perikatan was only focussing on Malay-majority areas within the Kuala Kubu Baharu constituency.
"We don't care. We want to win. Every vote counts, no matter where it's from," he said.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu's electorate is predominantly Malay (46.36%), Chinese (30.65%), Indian (18.02%) and other ethnicities (4.98%).
The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will see a four-cornered fight between Pakatan's Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan's Khairul Azhari Saut, PRM's Hafizah Zainuddin and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.
The Election Commission has set early voting on May 7 and polling day on May 11.
