PAS’ decision to back Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in selected Johor election seats is aimed at preventing a split in the Malay vote and maximising the opposition’s chances of winning, its deputy president Datuk Seri Ustaz Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said.
He said the move should not be interpreted as the party avoiding a direct contest with DAP, dismissing claims by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke that Pas was afraid to face the party.
“It is not about being afraid or brave. It is more about strategy.
“If PAS contests, the Malay votes will be split, and that is exactly what the DAP wants,” said the Kubang Kerian member of parliament.
Ustaz Tuan Ibrahim, who is also Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman, said Pas would continue to formulate the best election strategy with its coalition partners to ensure the opposition remained competitive in the Johor election.
He said electoral decisions should be guided by the broader objective of securing victory rather than political rhetoric or provocation.
Tuan Ibrahim also claimed Loke’s remarks reflected DAP’s concern over the possibility of being rejected by voters, similar to what happened in Sabah.
“The statement itself shows that the DAP is worried about losing and being rejected by the people, as witnessed in Sabah,” he said.
He was responding to Loke’s remarks earlier today that PAS was afraid to face DAP head-on in the Johor election.- source NST
