A Penang PAS leader has dismissed speculation that he had been instigated by certain PKR leaders to propose that his party should field a candidate in the Penanti by-election.

penang pas penanti by-election 030509 mujahid yusuf rawa PAS state deputy commissioner Mujahid Yusof Rawa said his proposal was based on moral principles in politics and not due to instigation.

"Why would I or other PAS leaders serve the self-interests of certain PKR leaders? We are not obliged to them,” he told Malaysiakini.

"Such accusations are baseless. The rumour-mongers should examine the principles that PAS espouses.”

Mujahid’s proposal to the PAS and Pakatan leadership yesterday was a shock to many, having come just a few hours after PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim had said that Pakatan leaders at all levels had set aside their differences to put up a united front for the by-election on May 31

Rumours have been circulating via text-messages since last night that Penang PAS leaders could have been instigated to make the proposal.

lim guan eng koh tsu koon penang land scandal issue 220409 fairus khairuddin The state seat was vacated by PKR’s Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin (left) on April 16. He had resigned as deputy chief minister 1 (DCM1) and state executive councillor on April 8.

Mujahid said Penang PAS’ proposal was in line with grassroots sentiments that Fairus’ resignation was unwarranted, has set a bad precedent, and encouraged an unhealthy political culture.

The needless resignation of elected representatives would make a mockery of the electoral process if left unchecked, he explained.

PAS, he said, believes that a by-election should only be held in the event a representative dies or has been found guilty of a crime.

Although Fairus was being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission at the time of his resignation, Mujahid said the PKR leadership should have held to the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.

"We feel that our proposal to contest is in the best interests of Pakatan," he said.

Differences to be resolved

When contacted, PKR state chief Zahrain Md Hashim said Penang PAS’ proposal was merely an expression of the democratic rights advocated by Pakatan.

penang anti isa forum 150908 zahrain md hashim "We are not like Barisan Nasional or Umno to suppress freedom of information and expression among our component parties. Anyone can make proposal to contest anywhere, but it’s up to Pakatan leadership to make a decision,” he said.

He pointed out that Anwar had announced the candidacy of PKR state deputy chief Mansor Othman after the Pakatan presidential council had unanimously agreed on this.

Zahrain said he plans to meet his PAS counterpart Mohd Salleh Man to resolve all outstanding issues before nomination day on May 23

"I can assure you that, come nomination day, it will be PKR contesting Penanti on behalf of Pakatan. Whatever differences that exist now will be (resolved) by then and we will face our rivals as one coalition," he said.

Since the 1999 general election, PKR has traditionally contested Penanti. It falls under the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat now held by Anwar.