BUKIT MERTAJAM (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) President Liow Tiong Lai has expressed shock that the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has apologised to coalition partner PAS over the hudud issue.

He said this proved that PKR is unprincipled and had betrayed the people's trust in them.

"This shows that PKR would do anything to earn votes," he said at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Berapit on Saturday where the nominations for the Permatang Pauh by-election was held.

It was reported in an English daily that PKR had tendered a private apology to PAS as well as an explanation over their statement on PAS' private members bill on hudud.

"They claimed they are against hudud but internally they apologised to PAS," he said.

He added that the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat ( needs to be fully responsible if PAS were to implement hudud.

"We can't let the country go towards that direction and MCA will continue to fight for moderation," he said.

Liow said the by-election was a major one as it would affect the future of the nation.

"The people will judge and decide. The Pakatan government has betrayed the people.

"We think the people in Permatang Pauh will make a decision to tell PAS that they reject hudud," he said.

He added that the implementation of hudud would affect the nation and the future of the next generation.

Liow also said that MCA fully supported Barisan's by-election machinery.

The by-election will be a four cornered fight between Barisan Nasional, PKR, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) and an independent candidate.