KKB defeat: No issue of boycott, Pas machinery did well on the ground - Saifuddin Abdullah

SHAH ALAM - Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has assured that there is no issue of boycott within Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pas machinery did well on the ground during the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election.

After PN's loss in the KKB by-election on May 11, allegations arose that Pas had not given their all during the election, but Saifuddin refuted this based on his direct involvement and firsthand experience in the campaign.

“I oversaw one of the voting areas where the chairman was a Pas Chief Division from Selangor.

"Throughout the campaign, there was a strong presence of Pas members, including division leaders, MPs, and Aduns, who were actively engaged.

“Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was involved as well and even participated in the grand finale ceramah.

“I am unsure how this assertion arose. It could be due to misinformation or an attempt to sow discord between Bersatu and Pas,” he said during an interview at the Karangkraf Complex yesterday.

Based on discussions at the recent Bersatu Central Committee meeting, Saifuddin also said no concerns were raised about Pas not providing assistance.

“On the contrary, everyone acknowledged Pas' valuable support.

“Therefore, I can confidently say that the relationship between Bersatu and Pas is strong and collaborative, and we worked together effectively on the ground during the campaign,” he added.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin also debunked the allegations that Pas has developed a cordial relationship with the Unity Government coalition as another rumour.

“To the best of my knowledge, Pas, Bersatu, Gerakan, and other component parties maintain strong relations, unity, and mutual understanding.

"It is fascinating because we have not received any internal indications suggesting otherwise.

“Therefore, in my view, this rumour appears to be an attempt to stir up unnecessary excitement without a basis in reality,” he stressed.

Recently, PN failed to secure the state seat in the KKB by-election.

This four-cornered contest involved Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao, PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainuddin, and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

The election was held following the death of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong due to cancer and was won by Pang with a majority of 14,000 votes, defeating Khairul (10,131), Hafizah (152), and Nyau (188).