PKR's intention to contest 15 state seats in Kelantan is not appropriate as it was seen as a more "urban-based party", said a political analyst.

According to Mazlan Ali, who is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Perdana School, Amanah and Bersatu are more suitable to contest the seats.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, he said PKR is more acceptable to contest in an urban seat with mixed racial composition, of about 55 percent Malays and 45 percent non-Malays.

"PKR's intention (to contest 15 seats in Kelantan) was beyond the comprehension of many observers.

"Furthermore, the party's machinery in states on the east coast of the peninsula is not strong and hardly functional. Hence, the lack of relationship between the party and grassroots supporters may cause the party to be rejected, especially in rural areas and villages in Kelantan," Mazlan said.

He was responding to a statement on Saturday by Kelantan PKR chairperson Ab Aziz Ab Kadir (photo) that the party hoped the Pakatan Harapan coalition will give it 15 state seats, out of the 45 state seats, to contest in the coming general election. 

In the 13th general election, Kelantan PKR contested five state seats and only managed to win one in Guchil, Kuala Krai.

Mazlan said Amanah and Bersatu can focus on contesting in different parts of Kelantan.

"Both parties fulfill the expectations of the Kelantan folk, who might choose Amanah as an alternative to PAS, and Bersatu as an alternative to Umno.

"PKR's urban-based image and its embrace of socialism do not bode with people in the east coast, who hold on to Islamic ideologies and Malay nationalism, dearly," he said.

That, however, would not mean that PKR does not have any part to play in the state, added Mazlan.

"The party can be fielded in urban and semi-urban areas in Kelantan, but the number of seats cannot be more than five.

"Amanah should be given the most number of seats while Bersatu can focus on seats that are strongholds of Umno, especially in Gua Musang, Jeli, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Putih."