PAS finally admitted that they are disappointed with Barisan Nasional’s (BN) decision to field candidates in all 28 state constituencies in the Malacca polls.

The Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said BN’s decision leaves Perikatan Nasional (PN) with no option but to go up against the Umno-led coalition in every seat in the polls.

Tuan Ibrahim said numerous attempts had been initiated to forge unity among PAS, Bersatu and Umno for the Malacca polls but they were ultimately unsuccessful.

“Efforts to ‘persuade’ the other parties took a very long time. In the beginning, it appeared highly positive but eventually Umno decided to contest each seat.

“We feel a bit disappointed that the unity attempt ultimately failed but Malacca is not the final arena,” he said at a press conference during the 67th annual Muktamar in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.

Tuan Ibrahim said this after PN announced that they, too, will contest all 28 seats.

PN chairman Muhyiddin Yasin told the media that Bersatu will contest 15 seats, followed by PAS (8) and Gerakan (5).

Tuan Ibrahim, however, said PN’s decision to directly contest against BN cannot be taken as a sign or indicator for the political landscape come GE15.

He said that even though the negotiation window with Umno has been shut for the Malacca elections, it by no means affects any future cooperation between PN and Umno. – November 6, 2021.