MUAR: Perikatan Nasional’s guidance to supporters on voting in non-contested seats is based on electoral practicality rather than any formal cooperation with Barisan Nasional.
Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (pic) said the coalition was contesting only 33 of Johor’s 56 state seats, making it necessary to consider how its supporters should vote in constituencies where it is not fielding candidates.
Insisting that there are no political negotiations with Barisan in the Johor election, the PAS vice-president said any such claims were based on public perception and speculation, not any official understanding between the two parties.
“The perception outside is that there is cooperation, but what is happening is simply an understanding based on the fact that Perikatan is not contesting all 56 seats.
“In places where Perikatan is not contesting, there has to be some consideration of how votes should be cast,” Ahmad Samsuri told reporters during a walkabout with Perikatan’s Maharani candidate Anuar Hayan in Bandar Maharani on Wednesday night.
Ahmad Samsuri, who is also the Terengganu Mentri Besar, was responding to questions about PAS’ recent directive for its members and supporters to back Barisan candidates in seats where Perikatan is not fielding candidates.
PAS had said the move was intended to prevent votes from flowing to Pakatan Harapan.
However, Ahmad Samsuri stressed that the directive should not be construed as a political alliance between PAS and Barisan.
The July 11 Johor election will see Barisan and Pakatan contest all 56 state seats.
Pakatan is fielding 56 candidates comprising 20 from PKR, 19 from Amanah and 17 from DAP.
Barisan, which is seeking to retain control of the Johor government, is contesting on its own with 37 Umno candidates, 15 from MCA and four from MIC.
Perikatan is contesting 33 seats: 16 Bersatu candidates, 11 from PAS, one from Pejuang and five from the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
