KKB polls: PAS denies boycott of Perikatan candidate, says machinery hard at work on the ground

HULU SELANGOR: PAS has dismissed claims it is boycotting Perikatan Nasional's Kuala Kubu Baharu candidate following the absence of party leaders on nomination day for the by-election.

Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar stressed that the party's central and state machinery had been on the ground in the constituency since the candidate was announced on Thursday (April 25).

"Pakatan Harapan is playing up the issue... to depict instability within Perikatan," he told a press conference in Batang Kali on Monday (April 25).

ALSO READ: KKB polls: PAS downplays absence of party leaders on nomination day (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/28/kkb-polls-pas-downplays-absence-of-party-leaders-on-nomination-day)

"In reality, the conflict is within the components of the unity government because some of them are not campaigning in this by-election.

"However, Perikatan's efforts in Kuala Kubu Baharu have been harmonious. We differ from other parties because the PAS machinery is solidly and fully committed to supporting the candidate for this by-election," he added.

Sukri said that the PAS machinery would not even be present if there really was a boycott.

"But today, Selangor and other states including Pahang, Melaka and Perak have sent machinery to assist the campaign. Therefore, the claims of a PAS boycott are untrue.

"(Besides) I am always here representing the party. In addition, Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Ab Halim Tamuri has actively been on the ground helping.

"And Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (the Kedah Mentri Besar) was present during the announcement of the candidate on Thursday night here. Therefore, there are no problems here at all," he said.

ALSO READ: INTERACTIVE: Kuala Kubu Baharu by the numbers

Previously, several leaders, including Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, questioned why PAS leaders were not visible in Kuala Kubu Baharu, including on Saturday (April 27) for the nomination of candidates.

Fahmi highlighted the presence of many leading PAS figures in Perlis as opposed to Kuala Kubu Baharu earlier. Describing it as "interesting", he said he was unsure what PAS leaders were trying to convey with their actions.

However, Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin denied these allegations.

"I urge the media not to listen to the Communications Minister. PAS indeed planned their Hari Raya open house in Perlis well in advance," he said.

The electorate in Kuala Kubu Baharu predominantly consists of Malays (46.36%), followed by Chinese (30.65%), Indians (18.02%), and other ethnicities (4.98%).

The by-election will be a four-cornered contest involving Pakatan's Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan's Khairul Azhari Saut of Bersatu, PRM's Hafizah Zainudin, and Independent Nyau Ke Xin.

The Election Commission has scheduled early voting for May 7 and polling day for May 11.