PAS president, Abdul Hadi Awang, told a press conference here late last night he had yet to receive any formal application from Khalid, who was sacked from PKR following a year-long tussle over the Selangor menteri besar’s post.

“He (Khalid) is an independent Member of Parliament. He has the right to support any party contesting in the state election.”

Khalid surprised many when he was seen on a walkabout with PAS’s Samalaju candidate Zharudin Narudin in Bintulu, partaking in the campaign ahead of the May 7 election.

This, however, was not the first time Khalid has participated in a PAS event, having made an appearance at the party’s 61st Muktamar in Kuala Selangor last year.

Since then, rumours have been rife that Khalid had joined PAS. However, no formal announcement was ever made.

On a separate note, PAS central election director Mustafa Ali, who was also present at the press conference, said the party was confident of making history by winning at least one seat in the Sarawak state assembly.

He also said that based on information gathered from the ground, PAS may likely be way ahead of its splinter group, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) in terms of popularity.

PAS will battle newcomer Amanah in Samariang, Muara Tuang, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, and Beting Maro.

Both have adopted a personal approach in their campaign, preferring to go house to house to make their presence felt.