Without Hadi’s clear stand, Pakatan not safe from sabotage in Permatang Pauh, analysts say
(The Malaysian Insider) – Penang PAS Youth’s turnaround to support PKR in the Permatang Pauh by-election is still no guarantee that the opposition could win with big majority, said political analyst Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani.
He said this was because PAS president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, had yet to make his own stand or issue a clear directive to party members and supporters to vote for PKR’s candidate, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Azizuddin, who lectures at the Centre for International Studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) said there could still be elements of “sabotage” against PKR.
“There is the central leadership’s directive to help in the campaign, but to help in the campaign is one matter and to vote is another matter.
“There is the possibility of split votes. People may feel as if they are being forced to support PKR in the by-election,” he told The Malaysian Insider.
Azizuddin said while PAS members and supporters would not vote for BN, they could still opt not to vote, or cast spoilt ballot papers.
Only a clear directive from the PAS president would ensure PKR winning with a big majority.
“Hadi should intervene and direct PAS members to vote for Dr Wan Azizah. But now there is no such directive,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Penang PAS Youth reversed its decision not to campaign for Dr Wan Azizah, the PKR president who is defending the northern seat following her husband’s jailing for sodomy in February.
Penang PAS Youth had launched a “boycott” at the beginning of the by-election campaign, after it demanded apology from PKR Youth who it said accused Hadi of working with Umno.
Penang PAS Youth chief, Yusni Mat Piah, now said the state wing would obey the PAS central leadership and help PKR in the campaign, saying it wanted to ensure the seat remained with the opposition pact.
Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) agreed with Azizuddin, saying Hadi should give a clear directive to PAS members to vote for Dr Wan Azizah.
“To which extent voters will come out and vote for PKR is yet to be assured. This is because the PAS president is yet to issue statement on this matter.
“We see they are compromising behind the scenes but it may be temporary until the by-election is over,” he said.
