PAS urges supporters to vote BN in non-PN seats

PETALING JAYA: PAS has called on all its members and supporters to vote for Umno or Barisan Nasional candidates in state constituencies where Perikatan Nasional is not contesting in the Johor polls.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he is confident that party members understood the importance of ummah unity and that PN is the platform towards achieving that goal.

“PAS instructs its members and supporters to vote for Umno or BN candidates in state seats where PN is not contesting.

“That is what we have emphasised (with PAS members). Do not vote for Pakatan Harapan,” he was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying.

There are 56 seats up for grabs in the Johor state election, with 29 needed for a simple majority.

Under PN, PAS is contesting 11 seats, Bersatu 16, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party five, and Pejuang one. Parti Wawasan Negara and Gerakan are skipping the state polls.

Johor BN will contest all 56 seats, and has reaffirmed its decision to go solo without any electoral cooperation or plans to form a government with any other party.

PH has also fielded candidates in all 56 state seats.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday played down allegations of cooperation with PAS and Wawasan in the Johor election.

He said any talks among the parties for working together, if they had taken place, were likely held among their lower ranks.

Former Mengkibol assemblyman Chew Chong Sin, of DAP, yesterday claimed that there is a “tacit understanding” between BN and PN, based on the 33 candidates fielded by PN.

Chew urged voters to come out in full force to prevent BN and PN from forming the next state government.

Separately, Berita Harian reported that PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has hinted at several surprises in the coalition’s manifesto for the Johor election, to be unveiled in the coming days.