Selangor PAS chief adamant Sg Besar is theirs, others to stand down

The decision by PAS to field a candidate in the upcoming Sungai Besar by-election should not be disputed by any party, Selangor PAS said today.

Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad said this is because PAS has traditionally contested in the seat and is now focused to wrest it away from BN.

"Sungai Besar is a traditional PAS seat and so our decision to contest there should not be disputed by any party.

"We are confident PAS has a good chance in this by-election, because there are many local and national issues caused by weaknesses in BN's administration," Iskandar told reporters in Shah Alam after launching the state's water conservation campaign for low-cost public housing projects.

While PAS has yet to announce its candidate for the seat, Iskandar said Selangor PAS has mobilised its machinery from around the state and its neighbours.

"I am confident the party machinery and members will give full attention to the by-election and not entertain issues aimed at disturbing this focus (to win)," said the Chempaka state assemblyperson.

Mum on negotiations

Several PAS top leaders including party president Abdul Hadi Awang have recently declared that the party will proceed to field its candidates in the upcoming Sungai Besar as well as Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

This is despite Selangor menteri besar Mohamed Azmin Ali's insistence that "negotiations" to ensure a straight fight against BN could last until nominations day on June 5.

Asked for comment, Iskandar merely said, "I don't know...You have to ask the central leaders."

Within Pakatan Harapan, PAS splinter Parti Amanah Negara had indicated its intentions to contest in both seats, on grounds that it has rights to seats previously contested by PAS when they were part of the former Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

The Election Commission has set June 5 for nominations and polling will be on June 18.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar seats fell vacant after the deaths of its incumbents in the Sarawak helicopter tragedy during the state election campaign. -Mkini