SERI SETIA POLLS | PAS has been dismissed as a significant challenger in the Seri Setia by-election by its former assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, despite the Islamist party receiving Umno backing.

“Seri Setia is my old constituency so I’m familiar with it. There are some of them (PAS supporters) who are still with PAS, but some of them voted for Pakatan Harapan in the last election.

“So overall, we are confident of (retaining) the seat, but of course we’d have to work hard and not rest on our laurels...

“The way I see it, Umno and PAS are not quite getting along (tak berapa serasi) at the grassroots level,” the Setiawangsa MP told reporters today while attending Aidiladha celebrations with his constituents at PPR Kampung Air Panas.

The Seri Setia by-election will be a straight fight between PKR’s Halimey Abu Bakar and PAS’ Halimah Ali, with some in Umno backing the PAS candidate.

Read more: Seri Setia Umno grassroots ready to assist PAS candidate

Earlier today, Malaysiakini quoted Umno branch leader Ismail Ah as saying that there is no animosity between Umno and PAS.

Nevertheless, some PAS supporters remain sceptical of Umno’s overtures, which is perceived as a self-serving move to rally support for itself.

Polling day for the Seri Setia by-election falls on Sept 8. The by-election was triggered by the passing of incumbent Shaharuddin Badaruddin on Aug 2.

In the 14th general election, Umno and PAS secured 14,441 votes against PKR's 29,250, from a total 52,650 ballots cast.