SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional will not take part in the Seri Setia by-election, instead will pave the way for Pas to contest the state seat.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the move would be the starting point of mutual understanding between the two parties in a new political landscape.
"This is also to reciprocate Pas's move to give us the way in Sungai Kandis.
"We will work our best to help Pas campaign in Seri Setia. I myself will be there to assist the Pas candidate," Mohamad said in a press conference, here, today.
Seri Setia state assemblyman Prof Dr Shaharuddin Baharuddin passed away yesterday evening at Putrajaya Hospital after a bout with colon cancer.
The Seri Setia by-election will be the third held in Selangor after Sungai Kandis and Balakong.
Mohamad said he had discussed the matter, albeit informally, with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"We hope Pas will field an iconic candidate who raises the Seri Setia people's voice in the state assembly."
Mohamad also expressed hope that the pact between Umno and Pas would be further galvanised in the future.
"I implore for both parties to have a mutual understanding. This is where it can all begin. God-willing, it (the pact) will be strengthened and (its influence) widened.
"We hope the people would receive this arrangement and mutual understanding, in order for it to evolve into a new type of politics in this new Malaysia.
"There is less than half a day for campaigning. I hope the people who supported Pas (in the 14th general election) with more than 7,000 votes, will vote for BN tomorrow. God-willing, we will reciprocate in Seri Setia.
Mohamad also expressed condolences on behalf on Umno and BN to the family of the late Shaharuddin.
"Be strong, for this is the will of Allah. We deeply sympathised with them following the passing of an academic figure."
On the upcoming by-election for the state seat of Balakong, Mohamad said it is likely that a candidate from MCA who would be running for the seat.
"We will look into it but I feel that we will let the seat to be contested by MCA."