KKB by-election: Azmin unsure on Takiyuddin’s absence from Perikatan ceramah

HULU SELANGOR: Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is unsure why PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan was absent from a Perikatan Nasional ceramah on Tuesday (April 30) night.

“Usually, we list the leaders who are prepared to attend and even if they are unable to, there are many others who can take their place. We still have 10 nights to go for the campaign,” the Selangor Bersatu chief told reporters after a Perikatan ceramah here on Tuesday night.

This comes after Takiyuddin was a no-show despite the senior PAS leader’s name and picture being included in the poster for the ceramah and shared widely.

Azmin – a former Selangor Mentri Besar – then added that there are certain quarters fanning sentiments that PAS is boycotting the by-election.

“In fact, PAS held its national Hari Raya open house in Perlis on Nomination Day. That was prepared and planned months ago and it so happened that it also fell on Nomination Day, making it impractical for them to cancel it.

“Immediately after the open house, most PAS leaders are back and now assisting us,” he said.

Azmin said more PAS leaders are lined up to join the remainder of the campaign, such as Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

“We have our plans in the lead up to polling day,” he said.

The issue arose after no senior PAS leaders were seen during Nomination Day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on April 27.

On Monday (April 29), PAS also dismissed claims that the party is boycotting the Perikatan candidate following the absence of party leaders on the nomination day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Selangor PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar said the central and state machinery of PAS was in the area since the announcement of the Perikatan candidate on April 25.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election sees a four-cornered fight between candidates from Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan, Parti Rakyat Malaysia and an Independent candidate.

It was held after the demise of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong on March 21 due to cancer.

Polling day is on May 11, with early voting on March 7.