In welcoming Umno's move not to contest in the Chempaka by-election, PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar fired a sarcastic salvo at the ruling party.

According to him, Umno should skip all elections, including the national polls, and this would be good for the nation.

He said Umno has indirectly admitted to being the catalyst for the split among the Muslim community, when it cited this as among the reasons not to contest in the March 22 by-election.

"So PAS hopes Umno will no longer field candidates in future by-elections and even the general election.

"When Umno contests in an election, there is always an atmosphere of division and bickering because Umno manipulates the government machinery, creating an uneven playing field," he added in a media statement.

Mahfuz said Umno can continue its struggle outside the realm of politics.

"Surely, Malaysia would experience a new political phase which would be more peaceful without Umno and BN contesting.

"A new Malaysia without Umno," he added.

The Chempaka state seat in Kelantan fell vacant following the death of PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat on Feb 12.

Umno has decided not to contest, stating that it would rather focus on rebuilding flood ravaged areas and for the sake of Muslim unity.



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