Umno Kelantan’s proposal to not contest the vacant Chempaka state seat following the death of its assemblyman, former menteri besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has been described as a good sign in maintaining the state’s harmonious political landscape.

UKM political science lecturer, Prof. Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff said, the move will inadvertently close the gap between the two parties apart from proving Umno’s respect towards Pas.

“That is the best and most strategic step to take in a bid to harmonise relations between Umno and Pas.

“Umno is respecting Pas’ territory and this will further enhance the political cooperation in the state,” he said when contacted here today.

Dr Mohammad Agus was commenting on the proposal brought forward by Kelantan Umno chairman, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who felt that it was better for the ruling coalition to not field a candidate for the Chempaka state seat by-election and rather focus on post-flood relief efforts.

However Mustapa added, the decision was still too early as the seat had yet to be announced as vacant by the Election Commission.

Meanwhile Dr Mohammad Agus said, the cooperation between Umno and Pas in Kelantan has been described as close following the devastating floods that hit the nation late last year.

“The floods have brought the two parties closer and if Umno does not contest the Chempaka state seat, this will further enhance their relationship,” he said.

Nik Abdul Aziz passed away at his home in Kampung Pulau Melaka, Kota Bharu, Kelantan at 9.40pm on Thursday, February 12, 2015, about an hour upon returning from the hospital.

He was 84.

In an unrelated development, Dr Mohammad Agus explained, Umno should not withdraw from contesting the Permatang Pauh parliamentary elections.

“In Permatang Pauh the contest will be between Umno, PKR and Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

“It’s a different scenario in Kelantan where the contest will only be between Umno and Pas,” he said.

On February 10, the Federal Court upheld the five-year sentence meted out on opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bikhari Azlan, seven years ago.