GUA MUSANG: Supporting Umno in the upcoming Nenggiri election would signify endorsement of Mohd Azizi Abu Naim's "betrayal" of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), said Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
The Pas secretary-general said the state seat polls determined the "dignity and self-esteem" of voters.
"If we give the seat to Umno, it means voters endorsed Azizi's act (of betraying the party).
"Therefore, in the Nenggiri polls next month, voters must choose the Perikatan Nasional candidate that uses the 'moon' logo (Pas).
"It is important to ensure that Perikatan Nasional remains (in power) in the Nenggiri seat," he said at a ceramah last night.
Takiyuddin accused Azizi of betraying the party and the people's mandate after being given the chance to stand for Bersatu in the last elections.
He said Azizi was the "luckiest" individual as he was the only Bersatu candidate given the opportunity to contest in both Parliament and state assembly seats.
Azizi's win in the Gua Musang and Nenggiri, he added, was due to the party's hard work and the trust given to him by the people.
"But what did Azizi do after becoming the luckiest person? He betrayed the party and the people's mandate given to him by supporting the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"After winning both seats, many voters still did not know who Azizi was.
"Not only did he not serve well, he also betrayed the party," he claimed.
Takiyuddin added that Azizi's actions had disappointed the party and Gua Musang voters because the party machinery had worked hard to ensure his victory.
The Nenggiri by-election is set for Aug 17, with nomination day set for Aug 3 and early voting on Aug 13.
The by-election is being held after Azizi, who contested under the Pas-Bersatu ticket, had his Bersatu membership stripped after declaring support for the unity government.
The vacancy of the state seat was announced by Kelantan State Assembly speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah.