I wish things are as simple as what Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the deputy president of PAS, has asserted - the contest among opposition parties in the two by-elections in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar would split the votes and allow BN to win again, as in the case of recent Sarawak poll.

When it comes to an opportunity for his party to gain two addition parliamentary seats, suddenly Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and his party are so enlightened and rational - the opposition parties must stand united against BN in countering many of the malfeasances, abuses of power and failed policies.

Before this, have we not heard of PAS being very magnanimous in wanting to give BN more time to resolve its many problems? Have we not heard of PAS’ president wanting to be an adviser rather than an opposition to BN? Have we not heard of ‘unity government’ between PAS and Umno being tossed around, on which neither party has come up with a clear and unequivocal denial?

Why then the sudden stand against BN on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the PM’s alleged misconduct, the malfeasance in 1MDB and other abuses as if PAS has just got up from its long slumber?

I have a simple question for Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. If it is futile for the opposition parties to contest among each other which would lead to BN’s ultimate victory, may I know what benefit would PAS’ win contribute to the betterment and the opposition cause in this country? As it stands, is PAS’s win not similar to BN’s win?

PAS can’t have the cake and eat it. They can’t run with the hares and hunt with the hounds whenever and whatever that suit them. If they disagree with Pakatan Harapan, they must have the honesty to contest against them.

Similarly for Pakatan Harapan, especially Amanah, they should be honest enough to put their stand openly and clearly for the electorates even though they may lose this time.

I think most people would expect compromise and cooperation within Pakatan Harapan due to their common resolve and congruence of policies. To the rest, irrespective of whether they are BN, PAS or Ikatan, the treatment should be the same - they are the political enemies of Pakatan Harapan.