Opposition Sarawak Reform Party (Star), which is not a member of Barisan Alternatif (BA), has called on PAS to stay away from the forthcoming state polls "as it will not be in the interest of the opposition front for it to contest."

Star secretary-general Francis Siah said that PAS has no place in Sarawak as it enjoys little support, especially in Chinese and Dayak areas, because of its Islamic-based policies.

"It will be better off for PAS to stay away," Siah said, adding that there is little point for the party to merely come into one or two areas and hope to win.

PAS has adopted a low-profile campaign concentrated mainly in two predominantly Malay/Muslim constituencies in rural Sarawak where they figure the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s main component party Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) will be most vulnerable.

No unity

Siah also expressed his disappointment at the lack of a united opposition front in Sarawak, saying parties like DAP and Keadilan were squabbling over which seats to contest regardless of the consequences, and such a situation was playing right into the hands of the ruling BN coalition.

He said Star's proposal for a common symbol and a common manifesto had even been ignored by both parties.

Siah warned that under the circumstances a free-for-all would be inevitable and this would make the opposition's chances against the ruling BN very slim in the coming state elections.

He added that unless there is a change of attitude and the various opposition groups agree to discuss a united front, which include a common symbol and common manifesto, it would be extremely difficult for the opposition to score much success.