PKR is set to have more problems on its hands over the Penanti by-election as local leaders of its opposition ally PAS is also interested in contesting for the state seat.

While the PAS top leadership has not made any decision or announced any interest on the matter, the party's Permatang Pauh division has started the ball rolling by openly stating its interest in the seat.

All 115 delegates of the division unanimously passed a resolution last week urging the party to contest in the forthcoming by-election.

lim guan eng koh tsu koon penang land scandal issue 220409 fairus khairuddin Penanti was contested by PKR's Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin ( left ) in the last general election but he resigned last week on personal grounds.

The manner of how PKR handled the resignation caused some concern for Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was then ticked off by PKR leaders for raising the issue.

The matter came to a close only after PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim explained and apologised to Lim, who is the DAP secretary-general.

And just as that tiff had been solved, the state PAS leaders have placed a new pressure on PKR by wanting to contest in the seat.

The Penanti seat falls within the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat held by Anwar.

Permatang Pauh PAS division head Omar Hassan told Malaysiakini today that the decision of the party members has been communicated to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in Kuala Lumpur.

He said that the division's decision to contest was a result of the manner in which PKR compelled Mohammad Fairus to resign.

The former Penang deputy chief minister is currently being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged abuse of power.

Party unlikely to consider request

"Such a resignation should not have taken place. There are grassroots members who are suspicious about the sequence of events, especially among the fencesitters who support us.

"In any organisation, the individual is the responsibility of the party. When there are problems with an assemblyperson, party leaders must solve it," said Omar.

"Fairus had not been charged with any offences yet, so he should be able to retain his position as an assemblyperson.

"PKR should solve problems within the party, and not compel anyone to resign.

penanti state seat penang 200409 "We now risk losing the confidence of the people and our grassroots supporters. Hence, PAS is stepping in as a contender for the by-election to alleviate the situation," he said.

When asked on how Abdul Hadi reacted to the wishes of the Permatang Pauh delegates, Omar said he hoped the party president would consider the motion.

"We shall see. We do not want to make hasty decisions," he said, adding that the delegates wanted very much to have their own candidate for the by-election.

PAS leaders are not expected to fight for the seat with PKR despite the strong request by the Permatang Pauh PAS division.

However such a decision by PAS leaders may result in local PAS supporters deciding to boycott the contest, depriving PKR not just voters but also election machinery.

Meanwhile, former Penang PKR Wanita chief Aminah Abdullah has also indicated her intention to contest as an independent candidate.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the by-election date next Monday.

Barisan Nasional is contemplating in not contesting for the by-election, claiming that the opposition was calling for by-elections for petty reasons.

However the national coalition has not fully made up its mind on the matter.