PAS ready to take on Bersatu in Johor polls, says state chief

PETALING JAYA: Johor PAS has long been preparing to face Bersatu at the July 11 state election and is unfazed by the prospect of going head-to-head with its former ally, says state PAS chief Mahfodz Mohamed.

He said the party machinery had been mobilised well in advance of the polls, particularly in state constituencies targeted by PAS.

“PAS has long been prepared for the Johor state election and to contest against any party, including Bersatu candidates.

“Our machinery has also been mobilised for a long time, especially in areas that are a focus for the party,” he told FMT.

Mahfodz was responding to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s declaration that his party was ready for an all-out battle with PAS following the Islamic party’s decision to sever political ties with Bersatu.

Their exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two parties, which remain members of Perikatan Nasional despite their falling-out.

Earlier, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah said Bersatu would have to leave PN if it intended to contest against PAS.

Mahfodz said PAS was confident it could retain and even strengthen its position without Bersatu’s support, particularly as it would be contesting in Malay-majority constituencies which form its core support base.

On the likelihood of multi-cornered contests involving PAS, Bersatu, and parties aligned with the government, Mahfodz said such a scenario had been anticipated long ago and did not concern the party.

“I believe the public and voters are already aware of the situation and will continue to support PAS candidates.

“Therefore, we are not worried because, God willing, voters will make their choice in favour of PAS,” he said.