PAS to discuss Johor, Negeri Sembilan strategy and possible alliances next week, says Samsuri

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — PAS leaders will meet next week to determine the party’s approach to the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, including whether to explore new political alignments, as Perikatan Nasional (PN) weighs its options ahead of the back-to-back contests.

Harian Metro reported that PN chairman and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said no decisions had been made on forming any new alliances, stressing that discussions within PAS’ top leadership would take place before the matter is brought to the coalition level.

“So far, there has been no decision (to join a new alignment). It is normal during the election process for us to conduct analyses and so on, but no decision has been made regarding any alignment,” he told reporters after launching PAS Kedah’s election machinery at the Kedah PAS Complex in Kota Sarang Semut, Yan, last night.

“PAS’ top leadership will hold discussions next week to determine how we will move forward. We will first discuss the matter among ourselves before convening a meeting with PN.”

The remarks also come ahead of a Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, which PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang is scheduled to officiate later today.

Reset is led by former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, fuelling speculation over whether the movement could align itself with PN ahead of the upcoming state polls.

Ahmad Samsuri, who is also a PAS vice-president and Terengganu menteri besar, said PN had yet to receive any formal application from Reset and that any move to join the coalition would have to follow the established process.

“There have been no official discussions about Reset joining PN. There have only been informal discussions. We have also held discussions with Umno because each side has its own leadership, but no decisions were reached during those meetings.

“The same applies to Reset — no decision has been made. We will wait. If they wish to join PN, they must submit an application. The same goes for any other party that wants to be part of PN; they will have to apply,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding potential alliances, Ahmad Samsuri expressed confidence that PN remained electorally competitive.

“The PN brand has gone through various elections, including by-elections and the Sabah state election, so it is already a well-established brand and we do not foresee any problems heading into this election. The same goes for the PAS brand, which is also firmly established. There should not be any issues,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that the upcoming state polls presented a different set of challenges compared with previous contests.

“The only difference this time is that the situation is somewhat unusual compared to previous state elections, as these polls are being held consecutively in different states.

“As such, PAS and PN need to make more careful considerations while we continue to assess the best approach,” he said.

Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun announced yesterday that Johor voters will head to the polls on July 11, with nomination day set for June 27 and early voting on July 7.

Negeri Sembilan will follow on August 1, with nominations scheduled for July 18 and early voting on July 28.