PAS didn't contest in Sabah to avoid 'enemy traps'
SABAH POLLS | PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party's decision not to contest in the Sabah snap polls was done to avoid "enemy's traps."
Tuan Ibrahim explained that although PAS had initially insisted on contesting in the election, they had eventually heeded to party president Abdul Hadi Awang's view.
"We accept the decision. Actually, PAS was involved in the early stage of the...
SABAH POLLS | PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party's decision not to contest in the Sabah snap polls was done to avoid "enemy's traps."
Tuan Ibrahim explained that although PAS had initially insisted on contesting in the election, they eventually heeded to party president Abdul Hadi Awang's view.
"We accept the decision. Actually, PAS was involved in the early stage of the discussions (on seat allocation).
"But when the decision came, although PAS insisted to be given a chance, there were several problems and matters.
"We have to be magnanimous, we agreed with the president's view.
"Facing the election needs the right strategy, so we have to avoid traps set by the enemies.
"If we contest, there will be a clash between us (those in the state opposition). It will amount to a loss to the coalition," he said in a press conference in Kota Bharu.
For the record, PAS was previously eyeing to contest in 10 seats in the state polls.
However, the party was not allocated any seats in the Sabah election by either Perikatan Nasional or BN and was not invited to any of the events to name the candidates.
Read more: Sabah Decides 2020: Making sense of the players, parties and battles
Subsequently, Hadi said the party gave way to its friends in the spirit of cooperation and to ensure straight fights for each of the state seats.
"PAS respects the stand of friends in Sabah who wish to contest in all 73 seats.
"In this matter, PAS takes the position of giving way to friends to ensure straight fights in the Sabah election, to protect cooperation that has been established and taking into account future political implications," he said.
Slight disappointment
Although that was the official party stand, Tuan Ibrahim, who is the Kubang Kerian MP, admitted that party members felt disappointed with the decision but he said that they would overcome the feeling.
"We can handle this, God willing. PAS members are known to be obedient to the party's decision. We hold onto the decision to avoid any clash among us.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), although we cannot deny the disappointment, overall the Sabah PAS leadership and machinery accepted the decision and statement made by the president," he added.
Bersatu youth commends PAS
Meanwhile, Bersatu youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, in a statement, lauded PAS for its sacrifice for the alliance.
"We deeply appreciate the undivided support from friends in PAS… it's evident that this huge sacrifice is a show of loyalty, sincerity, and cooperation to ensure the victory as a coalition.
"The sacrifice would ensure that there would be no more than a two-cornered fight," he said.
Follow Malaysiakini's coverage of the Sabah state election here.
