Port Dickson by-election like ‘joint army exercise’ for PAS and Umno pact says Hadi

(The Star) – With PAS and Umno now in an unofficial pact, the upcoming Port Dickson by-election will be used as another “joint training” exercise, said Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

The PAS president said the recent by-elections of Sungai Kandis and Seri Setia, which saw both former rivals joining forces, have shown positive results.

“In a democratic country, anyone can contest in elections and anyone can step down. This cannot be stopped.

“PAS will use this opportunity (Port Dickson by-election) to conduct a joint training exercise.

PAS has already announced it will not contest in the Port Dickson by-election to give way to Umno.

Abdul Hadi expressed confidence that the support for PAS is rising and will increase further in Port Dickson.

“Based on our experience in the previous by-elections, if we are in first gear for Sungai Kandis, then we have moved into third gear for Seri Setia.

“The polling data from the two by-elections shows that our support will be even higher in Port Dickson.

“I do not know if the opponents will dare to contest there now!” said Abdul Hadi.

The Port Dickson by-election was called, following the resignation of its incumbent Danyal Balagopal Abdullah from PKR.

The move was to allow PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest the parliamentary seat, as part of Pakatan Harapan’s previously announced transition plan for him become the next prime minister after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

On whether PAS will mobilise its party machinery at the Port Dickson by-election, Abdul Hadi said it “depends on necessity”.

On Thursday (Sept 13), PAS ulama chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed said PAS has taken the stance that opposition parties should field only one candidate in future elections, to increase the chances of winning.