Khairy Jamaluddin, who claimed that Umno had given him no choice but to contest in the PKR stronghold of Sungai Buloh, is hoping to secure a lifeline from PAS.

His survival hinges on the Malay votes and PAS can help tilt the balance in his favour.

Under the “First-Past-The-Post” system, the votes for Selangor PAS might not necessarily translate into seats but the Islamist party could be the kingmaker in several hot constituencies.