The party’s deputy president, Mohamad Hasan, said Umno’s decision to stay out of the by-election was to reciprocate PAS’ decision to skip the Sungai Kandis by-election which Umno is contesting.
“We hope PAS will pick a good candidate,” he said at a press conference today, adding that the exchange of favour marked the beginning of an understanding between the two parties to forge a new political movement.
“We will go all out to campaign for PAS in Seri Setia, and I will be there to help.”
Shaharuddin passed away yesterday evening after losing a battle with colon cancer.
In the May 9 general election, he garnered 29,250 votes to win the Seri Setia seat.
PAS had skipped the Sungai Kandis by-election to allow Umno to mount a strong challenge against Pakatan Harapan.
The Islamist party has since urged its supporters to back Barisan Nasional’s candidate Lokman Noor Adam when they vote in the by-election tomorrow.