PAS should contest the two by-elections says PKR VP

(The Star) – It is fair for PAS to demand to contest the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, said PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar.

When met at the Parliament lobby here Monday, Shamsul said PAS had the right to demand because the Islamist party had contested in the seats before.

“That is the same argument given by us in 2014 over the right to contest, so I think it’s fair and we will certainly discuss the issue.

“The ‘formula’ before the 13th general election is that those who contested at an area before will have the right to contest the seat again. That’s why we will negotiate.

“However, whether the party will give way is dependant on several factors such as winnability and a one-on-one fight,” Shamsul said.

He added that during the 2014 by-election in Pengakalan Kubor, PKR had given way to PAS despite wanting to contest in the seat.

Asked if there were any formal negotiations between PKR and PAS, Shamsul said it has not happened yet.

On another note, Shamsul said Pakatan Harapan may hold its presidential council meeting on June 4, a day before the nominations for the by-elections. “I think a meeting will be called when the time is proper and the agenda is set.”

He said the reason for the delay of the presidential council meeting was because key leaders such as Nurul Izzah Anwar, Muhammad Sabu and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali were overseas.

The Pakatan presidential council meeting to discuss the by-elections has been postponed twice.

The Election Commission had fixed the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections on June 18.