HULU SELANGOR: The absence of PAS leaders in Perikatan Nasional’s campaign could be due to its lack of confidence in winning the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, said PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil.
Asked by a reporter if the absence of PAS leaders was due to the possibility of Perikatan losing, Fahmi said maybe the Islamist party had read the ground sentiments of locals ahead of polling day.
“Maybe there were several issues. I have no comments on the education certificate of their candidate.
“Or, maybe they can read (the situation on the ground),” said Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, during a press conference at the media centre in Kuala Kubu Baharu on Monday (April 29).
Fahmi also said that PAS leaders were noticeably absent in Perikatan’s events despite the campaigning period entering its third day.
“So far, only top leaders from Bersatu such as Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin explained PAS’ absence.
“Many top PAS leaders seemed to be boycotting the polls. But, I wish them well,” said Fahmi.
Fahmi also denied allegations that he used government facilities in campaigning at Kuala Kubu Baharu.
“I did not wear any party clothes. I came here on a working trip by the ministry.
“Several days ago, I was on another working trip to Perlis and during then I met many PAS leaders, who were absent at Kuala Kubu Baharu during nomination day (April 27),” said Fahmi.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he was unsure Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be campaigning in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, as the Prime Minister is presently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“The norm at by-elections is that the Prime Minister does not campaign. This is the norm, even from before, not just this administration,” added Fahmi.
Earlier Monday (April 29), PAS denied claims that it is boycotting Perikatan’s candidate.
Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar stressed that the party’s central and state machinery had been on the ground in Kuala Kubu Baharu since the candidate was announced on April 27.
On Sunday (April 28), Radzi also denied Fahmi’s allegations, saying that the absence of PAS leaders was due to a scheduled Hari Raya open house in Perlis that was planned in advance.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will see a four-cornered fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan’s Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s (PRM) Hafizah Zainudin, and Independent Nyau Ke Xin.
Early voting has been set for May 7 and polling on May 11.
