PAS is expecting the cost of defending just one Parliamentary seat in the 16th General Elections (GE16) to reach up to RM1 million.
According to a report by Berita Harian, PAS Election Director-General Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor shared that this cost includes the party’s need to master various new media, including social media, in addition to the cost of logistics, staff training and preparation of campaign equipment.
He went on to explain that elections now require much more complex preparation with various methods and approaches, as PAS cannot just rely on conventional methods.
“Now, defending one Parliamentary seat costs a lot of money. Some people calculated that the cost could reach RM1 million. So, if we want to win 60 seats, logically, we have to prepare at least RM60 million,”
“This is the current political reality. If we do not prepare early, master technology, social media, applications and modern campaign tools, we will be left behind,” he said.
RM20 donations are not enough
Sanusi, who is also the Menteri Besar for Kedah, further shared that the party can no longer take financial preparations lightly and must instead be prepared to make sacrifices to ensure that the party continues to advance.
He added that, although small donations from members and supporters are always appreciated, the upcoming elections require more organised fundraising, which has a big impact.
“Let’s no longer assume that donating RM20 is enough for the elections.”
“We have to think seriously about how to ensure that the party’s finances are strong so that the machinery can move smoothly. If we want to survive, the cost is greater than trying to win,” he said.
Sanusi is optimistic that PAS will be able to defend all existing Parliamentary seats and even increase its number of Parliamentary seats to pave the way to Putrajaya.
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