Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has questioned why leaders from Pakatan Harapan (PH) are criticising PAS for instructing its members and supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in constituencies where Perikatan Nasional (PN) is not contesting in the Johor state election.
He said Umno-BN welcomed PAS’ directive, questioning why PH leaders appeared upset over the party’s decision.
‘Why are the leaders of the PH parties so upset and having a meltdown? Umno-BN welcomes the support and directive from the PAS leadership to their supporters to vote for BN candidates in Johor,’ Asyraf said in a brief Facebook post on Tuesday.
PAS directive draws criticism
Asyraf’s remarks came after PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man urged party members and supporters to back BN candidates in seats where PN is not fielding candidates in the July 11 state election.
The directive drew criticism from Johor PH chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, who said PAS was ‘lacking principles’ as the move contradicted the party’s earlier criticism of the federal unity government’s cooperation between Umno and DAP.
Aminolhuda said the directive suggested PAS was willing to abandon a position it had previously used to attack its political opponents.
Support at BN event
The issue gained further attention after two Batu Pahat PAS division committee members, Misran Samian and Hazrin Abdul Hamid, attended a BN event to show their support.
Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi described their presence as ‘surprising and touching’, adding that BN welcomed their support.
