BN lawmakers have welcomed the proposal for Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu to contest in the Sungai Besar by-election.

Both Kuala Selangor MP Irmohizam Ibrahim and Bagan Serai MP Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali believe that the contest would serve as an avenue to showcase the fledgling party’s strength.

“If it is true Mat Sabu wants to enter the ring, I welcome it.

“Amanah and PAS can prove who is stronger in terms of influence and credibility, especially in Sungai Besar,” Irmohizam told the BN Backbenchers Club portal.

However, he is confident that irrespective of who from the opposition battles for the seat, it would not affect BN’s chances.

Yesterday, it was revealed that Amamah had short-listed Mohamad Sabu, who is also known as Mat Sabu, deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (photo) and former Perak menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin for the parliament seat in Selangor.

Amanah comprises former PAS leaders and was formed in the aftermath of the opposition bloc Pakatan Rakyat’s collapse.

Amanah is now a member of the re-branded opposition alliance known as Pakatan Harapan, which also consists of PKR and DAP.

See the real strength

Meanwhile, Noor Azmi believes that Mat Sabu is the best choice for the parliament seat.

He said this would be the best opportunity for the Amanah president to exhibit the PAS splinter party’s strength following its disastrous outing in the recent Sarawak election.

“If Amanah contests, then he (Mat Sabu) should contest, let us see the real strength.. This is the time for him to prove his courage and confidence in the party which he leads.

“If not, it is better for him to withdraw and not let others (to contest) because he is said to be the most dominant in the party,” he added.

PKR has been holding talks with PAS with the hope of securing a straight fight with BN in both the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections, which would be held on June 18.

This is because of concerns that a three-cornered fight would split the votes in favour of the ruling coalition.

PAS, however, refused to budge from the two seats, which it came close to winning in the last general election.

Yesterday, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad urged PKR not to waste time negotiating with PAS, and conveyed his party’s preparedness to battle in the two seats.