Khalid - Losing in Kelantan will benefit PAS in the long run

Losing in the upcoming state election in Kelantan will give PAS a reality check after administering the state for over 30 years, said Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad.

"I would say a change (in the Kelantan administration) will benefit PAS, as the party has been in power for way too long and (they) have gotten so comfortable that they are willing to defend substandard levels of service (to the people).

"Losing this election will give PAS a reality check and benefit the party in the long run. They will get rid of their arrogance and hit the refresh button," Khalid told a press conference in Kota Bharu yesterday.

Also present at the press conference were Amanah's Kelantan state election director Wan Abd Rahim Wan Abdullah and the party's candidate for the Kota Lama state seat, Dr Hafidzah Mustakim.

PAS has administered Kelantan since 1990 and has seen two menteris besar, the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Ahmad Yakob.

'Don't fear change'

Elaborating, Khalid, who is also Kelantan Amanah chairperson, said PAS has gotten away with brainwashing the people into thinking that "PAS is Islam" and vice-versa for far too long.

Therefore, an electoral loss could put the party on a path to progression in the future, he noted.

"Don't be afraid of change, because even during the time of Prophet Muhammad, the Islamic army lost in wars so that they could learn a lesson. PAS is not infallible.

"PAS members should not feel guilty of supporting such a change for PAS' own benefit, if they see the party has failed in their rule," said Khalid.

Hard to predict

Commenting on Kelantan Amanah candidates’ chances of winning in the state polls this Saturday, Khalid said the results from previous elections are no longer a yardstick.

"The situation now is hard to predict. Based on the reception to the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani, there are chances we can win state seats where we previously stood no chance in.

"I think our biggest challenge is convincing voters that religion is different from politics. Once this is done, PAS' support base will become shaky, and the electorate will consider voting for a government that can serve them."

Khalid claimed he heard grievances from PAS supporters who want change this time around.

"I know PAS strongholds where its supporters have voiced out for change. Even though they are still in the party, they want betterment. That's why I'm saying the situation is hard to predict.

"Results from the previous elections can no longer be used to predict the coming election's outcome," Khalid stressed.

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