P KUBOR Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan today reminded Pengkalan Kubor voters that PAS is "not a religion" to adhere to.

He said the voters there need to be reminded of this as surveys in the area found that most view allegiance to PAS as a matter of "faith".

For example, he said, there are five voting districts there which went PAS in the general election despite the "good treatment" given to them by the federal government.

"We have done lots of things for the fishermen community but they still see supporting PAS as a matter of religious faith. This is what we are trying to change.

"In Geting, for example, this is very ingrained. We are trying to break down this narrow view.

"PAS is not a religion. It is a political party just like Umno, PKR and DAP," he said after visiting the Pengkalan Kubor by-election media centre.

The Pengkalan Kubor by-election will take place on Sept 25 following the death of three-term BN assemblyperson Noor Zahidi Omar of cancer on Aug 20.

Noor Zahidi defeated PKR candidate Saharun Ibrahim and Independent candidate Izat Bukhari Ismail Bukhary by 1,736 votes in the 13th general election.

BN was defeated in five polling districts – Telaga Batu, Geting, Ketil, Tebing and Kedai Getting.

BN’s Mat Razi Mat Ail is defending the seat against PAS’ Wan Rosdi Wan Ibrahim and returning Independent candidate Izat Bukhari.