TERENGGANU PAS will take specific steps and be more cautious in ensuring the party’s operations for the state polls do not contravene any election law.

Caretaker Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who is also PAS vice-president, said this includes scrutinising the implementation of the state’s programmes throughout the campaign period.

Nevertheless, he said PAS would continue upholding its mature and prosperous political culture at all times, especially during the state election process.

“It is indeed our agenda to always be cautious, especially after the (election petition) cases in Marang and  Kuala Terengganu, we will avoid making mistakes.

“As far as I know, we (state government) do not have any programmes relating to the distribution of aid or donation during the state polls. We will only proceed with the Awal Muharram programme on July 19,” he told a press conference after the launch of Terengganu Report Card 2018-2023 and Book of Success 2018-2022 at Wisma Darul Iman today.

Samsuri, who is incumbent for Ru Rendang, said this when asked about PAS’ plans for the state polls, especially after the Terengganu Election Court’s decision on June 27 to nullify the victory of Kuala Terengganu MP Ahmad Amzad Hashim, who represented PAS in the November polls last year.

Judge Mohd Firuz Jaffril said the court found that the petitioner, Mohd Zubir Embong of Barisan Nasional (BN), had successfully proven that corrupt practices had occurred with the aim of influencing voters in the election for that parliamentary seat.

The judge said even though the petitioner was not called as a witness, other evidence was sufficient to declare the election in Kuala Terengganu null and void under section 36 of the Election Offences Act 1954.

However, the court upheld the victory of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang as Marang lawmaker.

PAS formed the Terengganu government after the party won 22 out of 32 state seats in the 2018 general election, while BN only secured 10 seats. – Bernama, July 5, 2023.