PAS may have divorced PKR, but not all of the Islamist party's supporters appear to be ready to see the split turn into a bloodbath at the next general election.

While supporters in Selangor agree that PAS should stay in the state government after severing ties with the state ruling party, the matter of contesting against PKR is still up for debate.

"I hope it doesn't happen, because PKR members are Muslims too. It is in the best interest for Muslims (not to fight one another)," Pandan PAS member Darus Amran told Malaysiakini when met at a party ceramah in Kampung Pandan last night.

At the event, 41-year-old Mustafa Kamal Harun also said fighting against PKR would further divide the Malays.

"The Malays would be divided. If we want to contest in the polls, we have to be united," Mustafa said.

He added contesting against PKR might also lead to a BN victory.

Two other PAS supporters who declined to be named, also told Malaysiakini they believe the party would find a way to avoid clashing with PKR.

PAS has expressed intention to contest in 100 parliamentary seats in the next general election, and claimed it hopes to win at least 40 seats.

Seats currently held by PKR are among those it has set its sights on.

It is also aiming to retain Kelantan and capture at least four other states: Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah, as well as Selangor, which is currently led by PKR.

'We will just follow'

While some are not in favour of clashing with PKR, others leave such decisions to the party leadership.

"We will just follow. We are wala' (loyal) to our leaders, whatever they say we follow," a Pandan PAS member who identified himself as Mahadi said.

"(If we are asked to fight PKR then) we will fight, because we (the grassroots) are the ones who have to put up the flags and all," he said.

Such sentiments were shared even by those who appeared to be on the fence, such as Cempaka PAS' Ismail Yusof.

While reserving comment on whether taking on PKR was a good idea, when push comes to shove, Ismail said he will "follow" what the leadership decides.

Critics have said three-cornered fights tend to favour BN, as the opposition vote will be split.

Ampang PAS member Zulkifli Mohd Haras however dismissed such concerns.

"I'm confident Malays will return (their vote) to PAS, so even in three-cornered fights, we can win," he said.