KUALA LUMPUR: Pas does not need the Pakatan Harapan or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) to succeed in general elections.
In response to PPBM chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that Pas was not needed by the opposition pact to win the election, senior Pas leader Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the reality differed starkly to what had been stated by the former prime minister.
“The reality is, most PKR elected representatives were dependent on Pas’ election machinery in the previous (13th) general election. At the same time, PPBM needs Pas for negotiations on seat allocations.
“Obviously, the strength of support for Pas outweighs more than half of what is currently enjoyed by the opposition,” said Mohd Khairuddin, who is also Pas ulama council information chief.
It was reported that Dr Mahathir, in an interview with Singapore’s The Sunday Times, had said that PPBM is ready to face Pas in a series of three-cornered fights.
Observer have also noted that Dr Mahathir’s statement will likely undermine efforts by PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to negotiate for seat allocations with Pas in Malay-majority areas.