Mat Taib: Don’t squabble, just let PAS contest both by-elections

(The Star) – As the bickering continues among opposition parties adamant on contesting in the two upcoming by-elections, a veteran politician has urged for a straight fight with Barisan Nasional by backing a PAS candidate.

Former Selangor mentri besar, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhahamad Taib (pic), warned that “a bigger damage” would occur if PAS, Parti Amanah Negara and PKR were to put their candidates.

He said their candidates “will end up being beaten by Barisan.”

Muhammad, former Umno state leader who joined PAS and later PKR, said people were frustrated with the Opposition, who failed to agree on seats in Sarawak, resulting in multi-cornered fights between DAP and PKR, and PAS with its splinter Amanah.

“Our image was smeared in Sarawak. If PAS has announced that they want to contest, let them contest and we support the move,” Muhammad, popularly known as Mat Taib, said in a statement.

He said if PAS were found to have betrayed the trust by later supporting Barisan, the people would be the judge.

“Public perception is vital. If we field one candidate and we give our undivided support, the people could heave a sigh of relief.

“They will then endorse us and support us. We will gain their confidence ahead of the 14th General Election.

“If we continue to squabble, people will start to doubt our leadership,” he said.

The Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar parliamentary seats have traditionally been contested by PAS, who is no longer in the Opposition pact which now consists of PKR, DAP and Amanah under Pakatan Harapan.

PAS’ position in the opposition grouping has now been taken over by Amanah, who now wants to claim the two seats.

Barisan and PAS are expected to announce their candidates on Friday.

Election Commission has fixed June 18 for polling and nominations on June 5.