PAS to contest Melaka polls under PN logo

PAS will contest the Melaka state election under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) logo, in a blow to Umno which had been hoping to avoid clashes with the Islamist party in the Nov 20 polls.

The party made the decision today following a meeting of its central working committee, a day after its influential consultative body comprising its ulama leadership recommended one-to-one fights against Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“This decision takes into account the guidance from the Shura Council which met on Oct 31, in line with the provisions of Clause 84 of the PAS constitution,” said a statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

Yesterday, the Shura Council, the consultative body made up of the party’s senior Islamic scholars whose opinions are rarely opposed by the top PAS leadership, said only a one-to-one fight would ensure PH’s defeat.

The decision to contest under PN appears to be yet another show of commitment by PAS to the coalition led by Muhyiddin Yassin, the former prime minister and Bersatu chief who was ousted from power in August following defections planned by top Umno leaders.

PAS is part of the PN coalition, but had also signed a charter of cooperation with Umno during their time in the opposition under PH rule.

Today’s decision also comes four days after the Umno leadership said the party would cooperate with PAS in the Melaka election, unlike its decision to clash with Bersatu candidates.

Umno took this stand over expectations that PAS candidates would use their own logo.