According to Sinar Harian, Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad said PPBM must refrain from doing so if it wanted to work with Umno in the state.

He said there would be no compromise in this matter and insisted that Umno contest all parliamentary and state legislative assembly seats during the upcoming 15th general election.

“If they are sincere in supporting and endorsing unity in Perak, then they should not interfere in Umno and PAS seats.

“There are two PPBM state assemblymen (Adun) in Perak now in Sungai Manik and Tualang Sekah. These seats are actually Umno’s.

“So, Umno will select candidates to contest these seats.”

Saarani also said that Larut, Bagan Serai and Bukit Gantang were also originally Umno strongholds, urging PPBM not to contest these seats as well.

“We won the seats on the Barisan Nasional ticket previously during the 14th general election. We will not give them to PPBM. There will be no compromise,” Saarani, who is also Perak chief minister, said.

Saarani said if PPBM truly wanted to champion Islam and Malay rights, then it should contest in Pakatan Harapan (PH) constituencies instead.

“PPBM, please do not interfere in Umno and PAS strongholds.

“If not, we expect three- or four-cornered contests. If that happens, then there will definitely be other parties who would take advantage and Malay parties will suffer,” he added.

According to Saarani, Umno had its own strengths through Muafakat Nasional (MN) and said its alliance with PAS must continue.

He also promised to instruct all Umno members to help PPBM if it did not contest Umno seats.

“I promise, if PPBM is willing to contest in Simpang Pulai, I will deploy all Umno members in the area to support PPBM until they win.”

During the 2018 general election, the Simpang Pulai state seat was won by Tan Kar Hing, from PKR, who won with a 20,000-vote majority.

Saarani said PPBM must keep its promises to defend and unite the Malay parties.