Hadi: Unflattering survey on GE chances is unrealistic, 'academic'

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has dismissed an unflattering survey of its election chances as being merely an “academic exercise” that does not reflect the grassroots sentiments.

“We have our own survey, and will compare it with the surveys of others.

“However, our surveys are grounded in the grassroots. Theirs is not, its just a table-top exercise that doesn't reflect the ground,” he told the media in Tumpat today.

He was speaking after officiating the PAS Tumpat annual general meeting.

In attendance were Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and other grassroots leaders.

Yesterday Malaysiakini reported a survey conducted over a period up to February by PKR Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli's (photo) NGO Invoke, involving 2,000 respondents.

Among its conclusions were that PAS would not win a single seat in the 14th general election, and would lose Kelantan to BN.

'Survey PKR', retorts Takiyuddin

Takiyuddin meanwhile questioned the reliability of Invoke's surveys, claiming several past ones had been inaccurate.

“I advise him (Rafizi) to survey whether PKR can defend Selangor or not,” he said.

PAS, which has cut ties with PKR, has vowed to go on an offensive to ensure PKR's defeat in the state.

Last August, the Islamist party was also reported by Singapore's Straits Times to be plotting with Umno to take over the state at the next election, although several PAS leaders have denied the report.

Hadi has thus far remained tightlipped on the article, which claimed he had been in “near daily contact” with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. -Mkini