KUALA BESUT, July 12 — Barisan Nasional (BN) today vowed to run a clean campaign in the Kuala Besut by-election, which falls in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also told reporters that the coalition will respect the sensitivities of the locals during the 12-day campaign.

“Since the campaign will run in the fasting month, we have planned our work to fit in with Ramadan,” said Muhyiddin, who is also the by-election director, at the close of the nomination period for the by-election today.

“We will do it properly, prudently, in good manners, but effectively.”

Muhyiddin refused to comment on PAS candidate Azlan Yusof, saying it is improper to do so during the fasting month.

“I don’t want to say the good and the bad, because it is not fit with Ramadan ... I want to sell my product, and my product is Tengku Zaihan,” he stressed, referring to BN’s candidate Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abdul Rahman.

Muhyiddin has expressed his concern about the stability of the state should PAS wins, which would trigger a hung assembly.

A PAS win will see both BN and PR each holding 16 state seats.

Should such a scenario pan out, Terengganu Sultan Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin would be obliged to choose the new mentri besar whom he believes commands the confidence of the majority of the assembly.

Also of concern for the ruling coalition is PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s cordial relationship with the palace and support from Terengganu folk for the party, two factors that may tip the balance in its favour.

“When BN wins, the political situation in Terengganu will be more stable... Many wants to avoid the (hung assembly) situation, not just for the sake of Kuala Besut, but also the state,” Muhyiddin said.

Tengku Zaihan faces Azlan in a straight fight after nomination closed today with no other challenger named.

The Kuala Besut by-election will be held on July 24. The state seat has 17,679 registered voters.