The Kelantan state assembly must be dissolved if PAS loses in the Pengakalan Pasir by-election next month, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

"When they see the result and if the people begin to no longer have confidence in the party, it is time PAS seeks a fresh mandate.

"This must be preceded by the dissolution of the state assembly," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that though PAS was not compelled to do so, but if Barisan Nasional (BN) won, PAS should go back to the people to determine who should lead Kelantan.

However, Abdullah said the priority now was to ensure the victory of the BN candidate in the by-election on Dec 6, which was being held following the death of PAS state assemblyperson for the constituency, Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Jaafar, on Oct 31.

Confident of victory

Previously, Kelantan Menteri Besar and PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said PAS would not heed the opposition's call to dissolve the state assembly for fresh elections to be held in the state.

He had responded to a similar call by Kelantan Umno Liasion Committee head Annuar Musa, who is also opposition leader in the state.

If BN wins in Pengkalan Pasir, it will have 22 seats while PAS 23.

Meanwhile, Abdullah said he expected BN's shortlist of candidates for the by-election to be submitted to him by the Kelantan Umno Liasion Committee in the next two or three days.

"Together with Datuk Seri Najib, we will choose a candidate who is willing to work hard for the well being of the people and voters," he said.

Abdullah was confident BN would wrest Pengkalan Pasir from PAS.