PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said his party will defend its traditionally-contested seats.

This was despite Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Muhyiddin Yassin's appeal that it make way in seats that Umno won in the last general election.

"For now, PAS will defend its traditional seats, most of which are against Umno, with all its might.

"PAS will continue to mobilise its machinery with the backing of its members and workers," Tuan Ibrahim said in a statement today.

He also dismissed speculation that PAS was now working with “new parties”, following Muhyiddin's appearance at a PAS ceramah in Kemaman, Terengganu, last Saturday.

"Any form of cooperation with any new parties must be endorsed by Gagasan Sejahtera.

"Therefore, any rumours of PAS working with any new parties is unofficial until an official joint-statement is released by Gagasan Sejahtera," he said.

Gagasan Sejahtera is a coalition set up by PAS together with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan).

Tuan Ibrahim said PAS will prioritise its own coalition over cooperation with other parties.

However, he added that PAS will continue to have relations with PKR.

He noted that several new parties had cropped up and were planning to participate in the next general election.

However, Tuan Ibrahim said some of these parties will not last due to the lack of grassroots machinery.

"As a main election strategy, all parties should first focus on readying their machinery before thinking about seats (negotiations).

"The enthusiasm to contest without being supported by machinery and party workers will not last," he said.

Nonetheless, Tuan Ibrahim said PAS' door was always open for cooperation with any new parties if their objectives were in line with Gagasan Sejahtera.