The PAS machinery will fully back PKR in its fight to defend the Permatang Pauh seat.

The party’s deputy chief, Mohamed Sabu, who is in-charge of the by-election here, said PAS central leadership in its Apr 13 meeting had decided that members from four states - Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak - will help PKR.

The Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency will go to polls on May 7.

When contacted, the Islamic leader who is better known as Mat Sabu, said that this directive stands until a new order is issued by the PAS central leadership.

“All must comply with this directive even though there are other views expressed by the local grassroots in Permatang Pauh,” Mat Sabu told Malaysiakini .

He was referring to the Permatang Pauh PAS chief Omar Hassan who gave an ultimatum to PKR yesterday to withdraw its statement not to support PAS’ private member’s bill on hudud if it wanted to continue getting support in the by-election.

Omar said Permatang Pauh PAS also decided to give PKR until the day before nomination on April 25 to do so, and demanded that PKR tender an open apology.

Statement puzzling

Many quarters are puzzled over Omar’s statement as he had turned up at PKR’s election machinery launch in Guar Perahu last week, and said during his speech that his members will ensure the seat remains with Pakatan.

Asked if any action would be taken against Omar, Mat Sabu ( right ) replied “we are discussing the matter in Kuala Lumpur and will make a decision soon”.

PKR had decided not to back Hadi on PAS’ private member’s bill, while DAP has ceased ties with the PAS veteran leader, as both parties said that the move to table the bill was not discussed in the Pakatan Rakyat leadership council.

Earlier in a statement, Mat Sabu who is also the state commissioner, said there is no new directive issued by the central leadership on the issue of support for PKR in Permatang Pauh.

“Therefore, all PAS machineries in the four states must help out Pakatan Rakyat in the Permatang Pauh polls,” he added.

Nomination day for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary is slated for this Saturday, while early voting begins on May 3.

The seat fell vacant when the family of its former MP, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, failed to obtain a pardon from the Agong to seek his early release from the Sungai Buloh prison.