Takiyuddin says PAS state election candidates shortlisted, Annuar Musa wants to be considered as last choice
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has said that any party members can become a candidate in the six states facing elections this year including Muafakat Nasional President Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
Malay daily Berita Harian reported PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan as saying that his party has yet to decide on the list of candidates who will contest.
“Any PAS member has the right to be a candidate and must be able to win. Everyone are eligible candidates, and we have not decided yet.
“The shortlist is already there and of course; we will combine old and new candidates. All areas already have candidates, but we now want to determine the candidate who can give victory to the party.
“We expect the list of candidates to be decided next week,” he was quoted as saying.
When asked if Perikatan Nasional (PN) can win all six states in the next state election Takiyuddin said: “We are quite optimistic but cautious, especially in three states that are not under our administration such as Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang.
“We imagine having good hopes, but we need to work hard to ensure victory is ours,” he was quoted as saying.
In a separate report, Berita Harian reported Annuar as saying that he should be considered the last choice as a PAS candidate in the next PRN.
The former Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general expressed his willingness to accept any decision made by the party leadership and emphasised that his personal participation is not crucial.
He said that he joined PAS not as a mere candidate but sincerely to fight for the interests of religion and the Malay nation.
“It doesn’t matter if I don’t contest, as long as Umno doesn’t win.
“If given a mandate to contest, I need to discuss with the PAS leadership, to find out for what purpose I have been entrusted to do so.
“If not, you can just give opportunities to young people or candidates among PAS members who have been with this party for a long time, after all, I am still new in PAS,” he was quoted as saying.
Annuar said that his decision to join PAS was not an easy one given that he had devoted himself to Umno for 50 years.
On June 10, Takiyudin accepted the former Keterah MP’s membership along with 3,000 other new members.
Takiyuddin said PAS has received nearly 20,000 new members from January to May this year.
He added that every month an average of 3,000 to 4,000 individuals from various age groups want to join PAS.
“The momentum of the entry of new members is increasing, especially through programmes held by PAS, including in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. The people always show that they want to be with us.
“PAS has always been open to accepting anyone who wants to join without any coercion, as long as they meet the conditions,” he was quoted as saying.
