The Malaysian Insight

PAS stands to lose hundreds of its members in Kota Raja for supporting Umno in the Sg Kandis by-election last month, said party sources, which might have implications in the coming Seri Setia polls.

Officially the division has about 3,000 members, although there are also thousands of party supporters there.

A party strategist said these members have revealed their intention to quit the Islamist party, with some already jumping ship to Pakatan Harapan parties.

“Some have submitted forms to Amanah and Bersatu.

“They were disappointed with the party’s decision to work with Umno in Sg Kandis,” the source said.

This was among the reasons for the low voter turnout at the by-election as many members were disheartened with the party, he said.

“We don’t have the official numbers but 10 to 20% of PAS members have said that they are considering quitting the party,” the source added. 

The PAS leadership, however, denied this, adding that the party is getting new members.

Selangor Amanah chief Izham Hashim said the dissatisfaction among PAS members had been ongoing since the last general election.

“It was not just during the Sg Kandis by-election but since the last general election where many had said they were not comfortable working with Umno.

“They are telling us now that they are ready to quit or they will no longer be active in the party. They just can’t accept the decision to cooperate with Umno,” said Izham who is also the Pandan Indah assemblyman.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, however, rebutted the allegation of members leaving the party, saying that it has been receiving thousands of applications.

“The news is not true. I am dumbfounded to hear it. So far, we have not received such comments from our grassroots members.

“The numbers are increasing. Thousands have been applying to become part of us,” Tuan Ibrahim said.

The PAS veteran said cooperation with Umno was normal, as both parties were now part of the opposition bloc.

“We are part of the opposition camp. We want to make the opposition a solid force.

“I don’t see any problem in Seri Setia. When Umno came for support, we accepted them,” he added.

Two Amanah grassroots leaders – Kota Raja Amanah central committee member Nur Halim Simore and Petaling Jaya Selatan Amanah chief Salleh Ishaksaid – have no knowledge of any PAS member joining the party.

“PAS members are loyal to their leaders. Whatever the leaders say, they will follow. They have been indoctrinated to accept whatever decision,” Nur Salim said.

The Seri Setia state seat fell vacant after its incumbent, Shaharudin Badaruddin from PKR, died of colon cancer on August 2.

Pakatan Harapan’s Halimey Abu Bakar (PKR) faces PAS candidate Dr Halimah Ali in the by-election on September 8.

Umno has opted out of the by-election following PAS’ decision to give way to Barisan Nasional in Sg Kandis.

In GE14, Shaharuddin won the seat by 19,372 votes, getting a total of 29,250 votes in a four-cornered fight against Yusoff M Haniff (BN), Mohd Ghazali Daud (PAS) and Vigneswaran Subramaniam (independent).

Seri Setia has 52,650 voters, comprising 55% Malays, Chinese (20%), Indians (24%) and others (2%). The seat was previously held by PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad for the past two terms before GE14. – August 24, 2018.