PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has rejected claims that the political split between PAS and Bersatu is a coordinated strategy to improve Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) chances in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Hadi said PAS would continue campaigning independently, while Bersatu’s approach was its own decision.
“We remain committed to the PN logo. I do not know about Bersatu. Perhaps it is their strategy.
“But, God willing, PAS members will continue to work hard,” he said when asked about speculation that the two parties were only pretending to be divided before eventually reuniting to strengthen PN.
PAS and Bersatu to campaign separately
PAS officially ended its political cooperation with Bersatu on June 8.
Following the split, Bersatu said it would contest aggressively against PAS in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections while continuing to use the PN logo.
Although both parties will contest under the PN banner in Johor, they will conduct separate election campaigns.
Candidate announcements completed
PAS announced its 11 candidates at an event in Bakri, while Bersatu unveiled its 16 candidates in Pagoh.
MIPP also announced five candidates through its president P Punithan, while Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir named one candidate.
In total, 33 candidates are expected to contest the Johor election under the PN banner. However, no explanation has been given for the remaining 23 seats in the 56-seat Johor State Legislative Assembly.
Before the dissolution of the state assembly, Barisan Nasional held 40 seats, followed by Pakatan Harapan with 12, PN with three and Muda with one.
Johor election schedule
Nomination day is scheduled for tomorrow, followed by the official campaign period.
Polling will take place on July 11, while early voting is scheduled for July 7.
