The sudden appearance of PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa in Manek Urai yesterday is being seen as an 'act of desperation' by rival Umno.

Nasharuddin had showed up in Manek Urai, where a by-election will be held on July 14, despite undergoing a surgery in a bid to rally votes for the Islamic party.

NONE Commenting on this, Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin said Nasharuddin's presence showed the Islamist party was not making inroads in the constituency.

“Nasharuddin seemed to be sidelined (by PAS) following his support of the unity talks with Umno. However, now they (PAS) want him to help in the campaign despite the alleged move to ban him.

“PAS is desperate, as its move in condemning Nasharuddin (for the unity talks) may have backfired and that is why he is required to come,” he added.

nasha greet nik aziz He also described Nasharuddin's move to kiss PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s hand as a political gimmick.

Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, had lambasted Nasharuddin as an Umno stooge during the height of the unity talks crisis.

However, the duo later patched up.

Oil royalty issue

On another matter, Muhyiddin remained tightlipped when asked to comment on Kelantan's claim to oil royalty.

The deputy premier said he would leave it to national oil company Petronas to clarify the matter.

When told that the two or three day deadline by the cabinet had elapsed, Muhyiddin said: “The cabinet had not issued any deadline.”

It was reported that the Cabinet had on Wednesday directed Petronas to explain to the Kelantan PAS-led government pertaining to the RM1 billion oil royalty claim, after it was found that the national oil corporation had extracted oil from Kelantan’s shores since 2004.

nasharuddin nik aziz manek urai 110709 nasha nik aziz fauzi nizar Muhyiddin also continued to challenge Nik Aziz to debate on how much development Kelantan had achieved under PAS compared to what had been done by Umno in other states.

“It is a pity that after 19 years, Kelantan remains backward compared to other states and that is why the people feel neglected. Maybe Tok Guru can recite prayers but it is development which they want.

“I can recite and lead prayers as my father was a religious scholar. I was also Johor menteri besar, see how much of development took place in that state,” he said.

manek urai state seat 220509 Muhyiddin said since arriving at Manek Urai, he has been bombarded by requests from the people pertaining to development.

“There is a tonne of request papers on my table from the Manek Urai people seeking for development. Hence, it can be seen that Kelantan PAS has not done much for the people and that is why they should change and support Barisan Nasional,” he said.

Later today, Muhyiddin is expected to make a big announcement to the constituents in Manek Urai.

Umno has placed former manager Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat as its candidate, while PAS has put fish wholeseller Mohd Fauzi Abdullah, as its candidate.