PAS denies being sidelined despite given no seats in Sabah polls

PAS has brushed off claims of it being sidelined after the Perikatan Nasional (PN) component party found itself without any seats in the Sabah state election.

Speaking to Malaysiakini yesterday, spiritual advisor Hashim Jasin (above) reasoned that the Islamist party’s strength was in Peninsular Malaysia, not East Malaysia.

“I feel that PAS’ presence and political strength is mostly found in the peninsula.

“Therefore if there are voices (saying) PAS has been sidelined, I think that is something inaccurate and untrue,” he said.

Both PN and BN have not allocated any seats to PAS for the Sabah election. Neither was it invited to any candidate announcement ceremonies. Nomination day is today.

Yesterday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang explained that the party had agreed to “give way” to its allies and avoid clashes despite previously eyeing 10 seats under BN.

Elaborating, Hashim pointed to the three PAS-led state governments - Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah - as proof of the party’s strength.

“We govern three (states). This is our existing strength and our grassroots members are a strong influence in other states. Our grassroots are strong.

“The recent Slim by-election is an example. Who were the ones who worked hard?

“Although PAS did not contest, PAS proved that we worked hard. Everyone admitted that and the results were very satisfactory,” he said.

PAS had campaigned for BN during last month’s by-election, which was won by BN’s Mohd Zaidi Aziz.

Umno relations solid, others?

Meanwhile, Hashim said the party will make a decision on its working relationship with PN allies during its 66th muktamar (general assembly) this weekend in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.

Abdul Hadi Awang

One factor for consideration is each party’s performance at this morning’s Sabah election nomination process.

Several hiccups occurred between BN and PN earlier this week after a joint candidate announcement ceremony was cancelled.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had to step in at the 11th hour last night to resolve the 11 seat clashes between the ruling pact allies.

For now, the Muafakat Nasional alliance of PAS and Umno is solid, Hashim said.

“For me, as of now, the bond between Umno and PAS is unchanged. It is neat and strong.

“As for the other parties, we will observe developments, especially during the Sabah nomination process.

“We will see what happens and then PAS will decide its stance,” he said.

This year’s general assembly will be PAS’ first as a federal ruling party.

It will be held for one day and streamed online, as opposed to the usual three-day physical event. - Mkini