PAS: 'Bold move' by BN to field non-MIC candidate

CAMERON POLLS | PAS has lauded BN's approach to go out of tradition and not field an MIC candidate in the Cameron Highlands by-election as a “bold move”.

The Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the step could work out to be in favour of BN.

"It is a bold move that BN has taken, as the seat is traditionally MIC's.

“But fielding MIC now, after the party has been implicated in vote-buying, will send the wrong signal to voters.

"Thus, choosing a different candidate is the right step.

"The voter composition is almost balanced, it's just that there are a little more Malays. BN can win the support from the Orang Asli, Malays, and some Indians and Chinese, and ultimately win the election," Tuan Ibrahim told Malaysiakini when met in Kota Bharu today.

Earlier yesterday, BN announced former top cop Ramli Mohd Nor, who is an Orang Asli from the Semai tribe, as its candidate to take on Pakatan Harapan's M Manogaran, in the Jan 26 by-election.

PAS, which is not contesting in the by-election, has pledged support for fellow opposition member BN.

Commenting on BN's approach to field Ramli, who is not a member of any BN component party, Tuan Ibrahim opined that it could be because BN wants someone who is not burdened by the party's past mistakes.

"This may be to avoid the baggage of the old government, which could weigh down the candidate. If an Umno leader is fielded, the sentiment (against the party) may still be around.

"But BN chose an Orang Asli, and not a politician. This is a new attempt. We will see how it goes," said the Kubang Kerian MP.

Tuan Ibrahim also predicted better chances for BN to keep the seat, if the contest is one-on-one.

"PAS won more than 3,000 votes in a five-way contest in the 14th general election. If it's a two-way contest, BN has bright chances of keeping the seat."

He hoped that Cameron Highlands voters would send a clear signal to Harapan, which he claimed had failed to keep up many of its election promises. - Mkini