UMNO will be paying PAS back in Seri Setia for the support it received from the Islamist party in the Sungai Kandis by-election at the beginning of the month.

Petaling Jaya Umno division chief Abdul Mutalif Abdul Rahim said the party would help PAS to campaign as well as instruct its members and supporters to vote for the Islamist party.

“Yes, we will be helping PAS during the campaign period and we will urge the voters to vote for them.”

“This is because PAS has helped us in Sungai Kandis. PAS even urged its supporters to vote for Umno. Such a thing has never happened before, so we are returning the favour,” said Mutalif.

Mutalif was speaking at a PAS event to present the party’s Seri Setia candidate, Dr Halimah Ali, in Desa Mentari, PJ, yesterday night.

Mutalif sat next to Terengganu Menteri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and remained by his side during the entire event.

Wanita Umno members were also conspicuously present in their trademark red scarf and baju kurung.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang thanked Umno for its support during his speech and urged other parties to join his party in its bid for the Seri Setia state seat.

“We have Umno to help us in Seri Setia. In fact we welcome every one. We are not asking for foreign intervention – just help from Malaysians –  unlike some parties who seek foreign help to win the election,” Hadi said.

In the Sungai Kandis by-election, PAS had declared support for the opposition, saying it was show unhappiness at the Pakatan Harapan government’s alleged failure to protect the interests of Islamic institutions, Malay rulers and Malay community.

PAS central committee member Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz had urged party members to vote for Umno, which he addressed as PAS’ “big brother” in Sungai Kandis.

“Umno is PAS’ big brother who has forgotten himself, because he was in power for too long. Umno’s realisation is PAS’ strength, to ensure Islam has a more sovereign position,” he was quoted saying in a Berita Harian report. – August 16, 2018.