KUALA LUMPUR: Political analysts say Pas' decision not to appeal the election court's annulment of the 15th General Election (GE15) result for the Kemaman parliamentary constituency is a strategy to downplay corruption allegations.
They said Pas had used the same strategy when deciding not to contest the court decision to annul the Kuala Terengganu result previously.
The results of both seats were declared null and void due to allegations the Pas state government had used its programmes as a means to buy votes.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Pas' move avoided the risk of a potentially unfavourable decision in the appeal process.
"The (Terengganu) Election Court has determined that corruption has taken place (in the Kemaman election).
"By appealing, there will be three or five other judges in this case. If it goes against Pas, it will create another round of perception that the party is practising corruption."
The court's decision that corruption had taken place, he said, could be used by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as ammunition, considering that Pas had always taken the moral high ground.
Dr Azmi believed Pas felt it was assured of winning if there were to be a by-election for the Kemaman seat.
"I think they are confident they will win. And I do believe Pas will win handsomely. So, this is the correct strategy for Pas to not go after the appeal process," he said.
Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had said the party would not appeal the decision and would wait for the next step based on the Election Commission's decision.
Dr Azmi said hardcore supporters of the party would not believe there was corruption in the Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu elections.
"The explanation by Pas leaders claiming that it was a donation (sedekah) is accepted by their supporters. But again, the court ruled that this is a corrupt practice according to the Election Act.
"Pas is trying to camouflage their unhealthy or corrupt practices by issuing certain j arguments (dalil) that do not construe this as a corruption practice.
"That is the modus operandi of Pas all along when they are put in the corner," he said.
Political analyst Mujibu Abdul Muis said the precedent case where Pas successfully secured Kuala Terengganu had given the party confidence in Kemaman.
"Pas knows prolonging the case would give them no benefit, and the nullification will not affect their chances of retaining the seat, as is what happened in the Kuala Terengganu by-election.
"This is a sad fact for Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu seats. Obviously, electoral offences have been committed, yet it is not considered an issue for the voters.
"Still, Pas is intact and has seen no problem in retaining the seat, even if Pas is supposed to be punished for corruption offences."
