Calls within PAS for the party to claim seats currently held or previously contested by its Perikatan Nasional ally Bersatu are understood to be gaining momentum across several states ahead of the next general election.
Selangor PAS Youth chief Sukri Omar confirmed to Malaysiakini that discussions on the matter have already taken place at the state level, following a similar resolution tabled by Kelantan PAS Youth during a recent meeting.
“Yes, it’s the same at the Selangor state level,” he said when contacted.
Among the seats PAS is eyeing in Selangor is Selat Klang, currently represented by Abdul Rashid Asari, who was expelled from Bersatu in March 2024 after openly backing Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
PAS is also targeting several other state constituencies, including Gombak Setia, held by Bersatu’s Hilman Idham; Batu Tiga, represented by Amanah’s Danial Al-Rashid Haron Aminar Rashid; and Sungai Air Tawar, currently under Umno’s Rizam Ismail.
At the parliamentary level, PAS is reportedly keen to contest the Gombak seat held by Amirudin, alongside Shah Alam, previously won by Amanah’s Azli Yusof, and Sabak Bernam, represented by Bersatu’s Kalam Salan.
Sukri added that PAS is also setting its sights on Tanjong Karang, currently held by Zulkafperi Hanapi - another former Bersatu leader who backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim without leaving the party.
Different approach in Pahang
Pahang PAS Youth, however, appears to be taking a different stance, preferring to leave the matter to the party’s top leadership.
Its information chief, Ahmad Azlan Abu Bakar, said the state chapter’s immediate priority is ensuring PN captures Pahang in the 16th general election.
“Pahang PAS Youth’s work today focuses on defending the seats won (during the 15th general election), namely 17 state seats and seven parliamentary seats under PN,” he said.
He added that any decision on whether PAS should contest seats currently held by Bersatu representatives would be left to the central and state leadership, although the wing remains prepared for any outcome.
Meanwhile, Malacca PAS Youth chief Zulhilmi Suboh told Malaysiakini the matter has yet to be discussed within the state chapter.
Unfazed by seat push
Ketereh MP Khlir Nor, who is currently suspended from Bersatu, appeared unfazed by the prospect of PAS contesting his seat.
“If PAS wants to take, then take them - what can I say? I am not going to desperately defend.
“I have no problem, and I do not want to fight with anyone. I am relaxed about it. If people want us, they accept us, and if they don’t, give it to someone else,” said Khlir, who won the Ketereh seat with 64.5 percent of votes in 2022.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who was sacked from Bersatu, expressed similar sentiments, saying PAS, as the “backbone” of PN, has every right to stake its claim.
Yesterday, Kelantan PAS Youth reportedly called for PAS to claim at least three parliamentary seats - Gua Musang, Ketereh, and Machang - from Bersatu ahead of the next polls.
Gua Musang MP Azizi Abu Naim had also left Bersatu after declaring support for Anwar’s leadership.
Last week, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang warned that his party could reassess its cooperation with Bersatu, saying PAS’ patience “has a limit” when dealing with what he described as Bersatu’s unilateral actions.
The Marang MP cited issues such as withdrawing support for state governments and a perceived failure to maintain internal discipline within the coalition.
Bersatu later issued a five-point rebuttal, with its political bureau arguing that such inter-party disputes should have been handled internally, while also defending the party against Hadi’s criticisms. - FMT
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