Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) made an about turn today and decided not to contest in the upcoming Kuala Berang by-election in order to allow a straight fight between its ally PAS and Barisan Nasional.

In a statement, PKR vice-president and political bureau head Mohd Azmin Ali said the decision was made to maintain the unity and harmony in Barisan Alternatif, of which PAS and PKR are members.

"The decision is also in line with our respect to the principle and coalition spirit of BA, we want to uphold that," he said when contacted later.

According to Azmin, the decision was reached during the party political bureau meeting on Wednesday. It was chaired by party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

PKR Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, who on Tuesday revealed the wing's desire to contest in the by-election, was also present at the meet.

Ezam had earlier said the youth wing would be tabling the proposal to field a party candidate for the by-election since there is a strong sentiment among its leaders that PKR should field a candidate.

According to him, many members had expressed their dissatisfaction with PAS' lack of commitment in BA and this feeling was compounded following the alleged 'secret deal' between PAS and Umno .

Unhappy with PAS

Ezam could not be reached for comment this evening. However, Azmin said the party Youth chief had accepted the party decision.

"Ezam respects the decision but also stands firm on his proposal. He has justified the reasons why the party should field its own candidates and we adopted his views regardless of our final decision," he added said.

Elaborating on Ezam's proposal, Azmin said the proposal was based on solid reasons and practical facts in particular the disappointment among party members over the alleged secret deal between PAS and Umno.

"The allegation was difficult to deny while PAS also chose to remain silent and failed to explain the truth," the vice-president said.

He added that PKR was also unhappy with PAS for reaching a decision to field a candidate without consulting its coalition partner.

"PKR views seriously these developments and considers them as the factors that have weakened the people's confidence against the capability and sincerity of BA as an alternative political movement," he stressed.

Conflicting statements

Meanwhile, PAS vice-president Mustafa Ali said he was puzzled with the statements made by PKR leaders.

"With conflicting statements from PKR, how can I make a comment?" he asked when contacted for comment on the matter.

"Even before Ezam's statement, I was told by (the Terengganu PKR liaison committee chief) Abdul Rahman (Yusof) that PKR is with PAS, and will be working with PAS in this by-election," he said.

Mustafa, who is also the election campaign director for the coming by-election, said the party will announce its candidate tomorrow.

"We have shortlisted the candidates, it would be either the previous contestant Dr Mamad Puteh or (former Hulu Terengganu parliamentarian) Muhyidin Abd Rashid," he said.

The Kuala Berang state seat in Terengganu fell vacant after incumbent, Umno's Komaruddin Abdul Rahman, died of a heart attack on July 30.

Nomination has been fixed for next Monday.