Impossible for PN to fulfil Bersatu’s Negeri Sembilan demands, says Annuar

 PAS information chief says Bersatu wanted 15 seats in the upcoming state election.

PN information chief Annuar Musa said Bersatu’s decision to contest the Negeri Sembilan election using its own logo meant the party had ‘voluntarily chosen to part ways’ with the coalition for the state polls. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief Annuar Musa says it would have been impossible for the coalition to meet Bersatu’s demand for 15 seats in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan election.

Bersatu announced yesterday that it would contest the state election using its own logo, with party president Muhyiddin Yassin saying several other parties had expressed interest in contesting under the party’s symbol in the Aug 1 polls.

In a Facebook post, Annuar said Bersatu’s decision to contest using its own logo meant the party had “voluntarily chosen to part ways” with PN for the Negeri Sembilan election.

He said the move came as no surprise as PN leaders had been informed since last month of Bersatu’s plans to establish another political platform.

“Bersatu’s decision to use its own logo is the best course of action for the party and should be respected,” said Annuar.

“We accept whatever reasons Bersatu may give for contesting under its own logo, especially since the party officially informed the PN seat negotiation committee of its wish list of 15 seats for the Negeri Sembilan election.

“That demand was clearly impossible to fulfil, given that PN comprises six component parties and has fewer than 15 seats to allocate.”

He did not explain why PN had fewer than 15 seats to allocate, despite the Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly comprising 36 seats.

However, there is speculation that Barisan Nasional (BN) – which announced its candidates for 25 seats last night – is set to form an alliance with PN components like PAS and opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin’s Parti Wawasan Negara at the polls.

Annuar said PN’s Supreme Council had yet to finalise its candidates, seat allocations and election logo, with the decisions to be made at a meeting this morning.

PN, which is currently led by PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, is scheduled to unveil its candidates for the Negeri Sembilan election tonight, while Bersatu is expected to announce its line-up tomorrow.

PAS severed ties with Bersatu last month, although both parties remain components of PN and contested last Saturday’s state election in Johor under the coalition’s banner. However, PAS did not assist Bersatu in its campaign.

The Islamic party also directed its members to support BN in constituencies where PN was not fielding candidates.

PN won five seats in the last Negeri Sembilan election, with PAS securing three and Bersatu the remaining two. - FMT