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MUAR – Pas' decision not to field candidates in several non-Malay majority constituencies in Johor was based on its assessment of winnability, not because the party was afraid to face DAP, says Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
He said the selection of constituencies for the Johor state election was determined by voter demographics, the strength of candidates and the potential to secure victory, in line with every party's objective of winning.
"When we contest, our goal is obviously to win. If we have the strength, then the issue of fear simply does not arise.
"We're not afraid. We contest in areas where we believe we can put up a proper challenge in the election," he told reporters during a walkabout with PN Maharani candidate Anuar Hayan in Bandar Maharani on Wednesday.
Also present was Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau.
Earlier, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke claimed that Pas was afraid of taking on DAP directly in the Johor polls and had instead chosen to rely on its proxy, Barisan Nasional (BN).
Loke alleged that Pas' decision not to contest seats contested by DAP was part of a strategy to consolidate votes for BN candidates, particularly those from MCA.
He said Pas knew that fielding candidates against DAP would not result in victory but would instead split the votes.
Asked about claims that Pas and BN were growing closer following Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's call for party members and supporters to vote for BN candidates in seats not contested by PN, Samsuri said such perceptions were merely assumptions by outsiders.
"We are not contesting every seat. So in constituencies where we are not fielding candidates, voters will still have to cast their ballots. They will make their own judgment on which candidate they believe is the most suitable.
"So there is no issue of confusion unless we were contesting every seat," he said.
He also denied that any formal negotiations had taken place between Pas and BN during the Johor election campaign.
"There have been no discussions. We are focused on our respective campaign machinery in preparation for the election," he said.
