PAS has decided to run in the Port Dickson by-election against PKR president-elect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which is scheduled to be held on Oct 13.
News portal Malaysiakini quoted PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang as saying that the decision was made in a central committee meeting in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
Hadi, who is also the Marang MP, said the party decided to contest the by-election to “keep democracy alive”.
“We want to give voters a choice, even though we do not agree with the manner in which the by-election was triggered. We cannot allow democracy to die,” he said.
The Port Dickson seat fell vacant after its incumbent Danyal Balagopal Abdullah stepped down to make way for PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim who is attempting to return to Parliament.
Hadi said that although winning the by-election would be difficult, it was also not impossible.
He added that he was optimistic about the party’s chances especially after seeing an increase in votes for the opposition in the Sungai Kandis and Seri Setia by-elections.
PAS’ decision to stand in the by-election comes a day after Umno said it would opt out of the race.
Hadi went on to say that the party did not share Umno’s view on boycotting the by-election.
Parti Rakyat Malaysia has said it will also contest the federal seat in Negri Sembilan, along with independent candidate Stevie Chan.