PETALING JAYA: PAS will not lift a finger for Bersatu during the Johor election campaign despite both parties contesting under the Perikatan Nasional banner, says PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
He said the Islamist party would focus solely on its own candidates and run a separate campaign throughout the election.
Asked whether PAS would help campaign for Bersatu candidates, Abdul Hadi replied: “No, no, no.”
“Yes, our campaigns are separate because they insisted on using the logo and we have not split yet.
“We do not know Bersatu’s strategy,” he said after delivering a religious lecture at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu, yesterday, according to Sinar Harian.
He added that Perikatan’s logo was retained for the election because of several considerations, including pressure from certain quarters.
Abdul Hadi’s remarks come amid lingering tensions between PAS and Bersatu following PAS’ decision to end political cooperation with its former ally, even as both parties continue to contest under the Perikatan banner in Johor.
Abdul Hadi said PAS stood by its decision and was now focused on ensuring Johor remained under Malay-Muslim leadership.
“What is important is that we want Johor to be governed by Malay Muslims.
“I do not want it to be controlled by liberals or non-Muslims. Let Muslims govern Johor,” he said.
Asked about PAS’ target, Abdul Hadi said the party hoped to emerge as the state’s opposition bloc, known in Johor as the “balancing force” and act as an “adviser” to the government.
“We are contesting 11 seats and have chosen constituencies where we are confident of winning, God willing,” he said.
Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced on Thursday night that PAS would contest 11 seats in the July 11 state election, down from the 15 seats it contested in 2022.
