PAS will support Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Semenyih by-election but at a different commitment and involvement level than what it had given during the Cameron Highlands by-election, said party secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.

He said this was in line with the party’s stand to defend and uphold Islam and the Malay race above everything else.

Apart from that, the cooperation was also to continue its ties with Umno based on community unity and opposition solidarity.

Takiyuddin said the clarification was being made after party president Abdul Hadi Awang explained his meeting with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday to PAS leaders at a meeting today.

PAS’ support for Umno and BN in the Semenyih by-election was thrown into confusion when Dr Mahathir said Hadi had told him, and given an undertaking in writing, that PAS will not be supporting Umno during the by-election.

PAS’ support for Umno candidate in Cameron Highlands by-election last month allowed the former ruling party to win the seat.

In the March 2 Semenyih by-election, Umno candidate will be facing a candidate from Dr Mahathir’s party Bersatu, PSM and an independent.

Takiyuddin also said PAS had signed a letter to support the prime minister’s leadership to strengthen Islam, the Malays and the people’s agenda until the next general election during the meeting with Dr Mahathir.

“An understanding was also reached to forge a closer relationship between Putrajaya and the state governments of Kelantan and Terengganu, which are led by PAS, especially in matters on administration, development and oil royalty,” said Takiyuddin in a statement.

Dr Mahathir repeated today that PAS will not support Umno in the Semenyih by-election, following an agreement with Hadi this past week.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said Hadi had told him two days ago in a meeting that PAS will not back BN, which is contesting the by-election in Selangor.

Dr Mahathir said Hadi told him PAS had backed BN in the recent Cameron Highlands by-election because the PH candidate was from DAP, the sworn enemy of PAS.

“But because this time around, it is not DAP that is contesting, they said they will not support Umno. But then we saw their (PAS) leaders yesterday (at the nomination centre), so I am forced to come out and divulge the details of our meeting,” Dr Mahathir said today in Puchong Indah, Puchong.

PAS has decided to skip the Semenyih by-election to give way for BN candidate Zakaria Hanapi, who is from Umno.

One of Zakaria’s proposers was from PAS. – February 17, 2019.