Umno Will Not Fall For PAS' Bait, Says Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Umno will not fall for PAS's bait that it should not contest the upcoming Galas by-election for the sake of Malay unity, said Umno vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"PAS can suggest that Umno forego this by-election, but we will not fall into their trap. We will contest," he told reporters after chairing a National Defence Industry, Enforcement and National Security Council meeting here Thursday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Defence Minister, was commenting on the call by PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan for Umno to give the by-election a pass in the interest of Malay unity.

He added that the Barisan Nasional stood a good chance of wresting back the seat from PAS.

The Galas state seat fell vacant following the death of its assemblyman Chek Hashim Sulaima, 46, from PAS, on Monday due to cancer.

In NILAI, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the Barisan Nasional would clarify to voters in the constituency about the oil royalty issue which is being harped on by PAS.

Speaking to reporters after opening Astra Manufacturing Sdn Bhd's factory in Mantin, Mukhriz, who is also Jerlun Member of Parliament and Umno Youth executive committee member, said the clarification was necessary because PAS kept distorting the facts.

PAS has claimed that Kelantan has not been paid oil royalty due to the state.