PAS is aiming to win 80 parliamentary seats in the next general election (GE16) as part of its push to return to federal power, vice-president Nik Amar Abdullah said today.
He said PAS had set a goal of winning at least 40 seats before GE15, and eventually won 43 out of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
“In the next general election, our target is 80 seats. We want to build on the 43 we already hold,” he told reporters after launching the 65th PAS Muslimat assembly at the Kedah PAS Complex here.
Amar said PAS also aimed to retain control of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis, where it currently leads the state governments.
He added that PAS plans to contest seven seats in the upcoming Sabah state election which is expected to be held by the end of this year.
Take advantage of criticism against government
Amar also called for PAS to seize the opportunity to boost support from non-Malays arising from growing voter discontent with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the current unity government.
He noted that many non-Malay voters have become more critical, particularly among the Chinese community, and that it should present a significant opportunity for the opposition to attract support.
“Today, it is not unusual for non-Malays to openly express disappointment and dissatisfaction with PH, compared with two years ago when the coalition was at its peak in the first year after taking over Putrajaya.
“Those criticisms have grown louder over the three years of governing with Barisan Nasional and Umno under the unity government.
“This presents a big opportunity for the opposition, including PAS, to take advantage. We must capitalise on this opportunity to win non-Malay support,” he said.
When asked about a resolution by PAS Youth calling for the party to lead Perikatan Nasional (PN), Amar said expressing such views are a part of democracy and should not be seen as divisive.
Commenting on speculation over a PAS or Bersatu leader as PN’s prime ministerial candidate, he said the coalition’s focus should be on winning the election.
“There is no need to name a prime minister candidate now. What matters is winning first,” he said.
“The final decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, just as state rulers decide on the menteri besar.”
