KUCHING: Pas will likely contest three state seats in the coming Sarawak election, says the Islamist party's state chief, Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo.
He said the party was eyeing Semariang, Sebuyau and Beting Marau, although the final decision rested with the Pas central leadership.
He said Sarawak Pas had proposed contesting the three seats and that its election machinery in the areas was ready.
Arifiriazul said the party was also considering contesting another seat in northern Sarawak, either within the Bintulu or Sibuti parliamentary constituency.
However, he said Pas was not ready to disclose which seat it was considering.
Arifiriazul said they have also shortlisted candidates for the three seats.
On whether Pas would contest on its own or with other parties, he said discussions with several political partners were still ongoing and had yet to be finalised.
However, he said the outcome of those talks would not affect Pas' decision to contest the three seats, whether as part of a coalition or on its own.
Asked whether Pas could become part of the state government if it won any seats, he said the matter would only be decided when the time came.
"We are contesting this election to serve the local people and provide the best possible service to communities in the areas we contest.
Arifiriazul said Pas' victory in Sabah in the recent state election had also boosted morale among its 8,000 members in Sarawak.
Last night, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the coalition, which Pas leads, had yet to decide on contesting in the Sarawak election.
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