Only a few Sarawak Muslims favour the party so no need to worry, says PBB vice-president
KUCHING: Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) would not create an impact on the coming State election, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.Even among the Sarawak Muslims, only a few are in favour of PAS, he said.
“Just like in past elections where the party (PAS) did not make much impact, this time around we are confident that Sarawakians will not be manipulated by PAS or Pakatan Rakyat. We will keep our stance strong in retaining our seats especially for PBB’s 35 seats,” said the assistant minister.
Most Muslims in Sarawak subscribe to Barisan Nasional’s (BN) style of politics which is more moderate and places emphasis on multiculturalism, he pointed out.
“Even though they were a some non-Muslims who voted for PAS in the past elections, this is not a proof that PAS is welcomed by non-Muslims. Even the Muslims do not want PAS except for a few of them in Sarawak.
Sarawak people accept BN’s political style which practises moderation and advocates multiculturalism. That’s what Sarawak people want,” said Daud, who is also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, during a earth-breaking ceremony for a drainage upgrading project at Kampung Tupong yesterday.
He cited Batang Ai’s 2009 by-election as an example whereby Pakatan Rakyat lost although they ‘bragged’ about winning.
“In the end, we (BN) won with higher majority. (Having said that), we will not be complacent and will continue to work for what we have promised.
Sarawakians are smart people and they can judge between genuine and empty promises,” he quipped.
Daud said that Pakatan Rakyat’s foothold in West Malaysia is also starting to show signs of cracking due to tensions and crises arising within the party.
“Look at PAS leadership in Kedah or Kelantan, there seems to be no development done by both chief ministers. They do not walk the
talk. This is all just a psychological warfare.
“Pas people say they want to conquer Sarawak, but how many times have Hadi (Pas president) come down to actually understand and help Sarawakians? If you say you want to conquer Sarawak through hearsay and empty promises, forget it,” he added.
When asked by reporters whether the possibility that UMNO and PAS (working together) issue might affect Malay voters, he responded: “If they work together it will be better. Then it means more votes for BN. UMNO will not back down and PAS should be the one following UMNO’s (into BN). Not the other way round,” Daud concluded.