Sultan's wrath prompts backup plan for Harapan's Kelantan MB candidate

Pakatan Harapan had touted Kelantan Amanah chief Husam Musa , a protege of the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, as a potential menteri besar candidate if the opposition coalition captures Kelantan.

However, the decision by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Muhammad V (below), who is also the Kelantan monarch, to strip Husam of his datukship raised questions whether he will be an acceptable candidate for the Kelantan palace.

This had prompted the coalition to seek alternatives and among the names mentioned has been Nik Omar, who is the second son of Nik Abdul Aziz.

Nik Abdul Aziz had served as Kelantan menteri besar from 1990 to 2013.

However, party sources told Malaysiakini that Nik Omar would not be a viable candidate as his mother has forbidden him from joining Amanah despite his supportive stance towards the PAS splinter party.

This was out of fear that it would create a rift in the late Nik Abdul Aziz's family.

The Harapan sources said that owing to Husam's vast experience in the Kelantan government, the plan was still to put Husam forward as a potential menteri besar candidate if Harapan wins.

They believe that whatever unhappiness the Kelantan palace has towards Husam can be ironed out.

Husam was a PAS vice-president and served as an exco member in the Kelantan government under Nik Abdul Aziz's leadership.

He was expelled from PAS over his critical stance against the state government which succeeded Nik Abdul Aziz's. He later joined Amanah and was appointed its vice-president.

Acknowledging the possible displeasure of the Kelantan palace, the coalition is considering alternative candidates, not only from Amanah but also Bersatu and PKR, as a backup plan.

Two possible alternatives are Amanah vice president Abdul Halim Yusof and the party's state legal bureau chief Hisham Fauzi.

An Amanah source told Malaysiakini that Abdul Halim has close ties to Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) which could attract members from the influential Islamic organisation.

"There is a movement that is trying to promote this surgeon who also has strong support amongst academics. But he is seen to lack experience in matters of governance," said the source.

Grassroots 'no'

Meanwhile, Hisham, who was formerly the Kelantan PAS legal bureau chief, has represented the party in various legal battles.

"He is seen to be a humble person who prefers to stay low profile but works hard," said the source.

Even though Amanah is expected to contest the most seats in Kelantan, smaller partners taking the helm of the menteri besar-ship is not unheard of as seen in Perak after the 2008 general election.

Sources within Kelantan PKR said that if they were required to propose a menteri besar candidate, it would be the party's state chief Abdul Kadir Abdul Aziz.

Abdul Kadir was the Ketereh MP who defeated Umno information chief Annuar Musa in the 2008 general election. However, he lost to Annuar in the 2013 general election.

Meanwhile, local Bersatu sources said if asked to present a menteri besar candidate, the party would consider two candidates, namely its state chief Kamaruddin Mohd Nor or deputy Sazmi Miah.

The source said Kamaruddin will likely be fielded in the parliamentary seat of Pasir Puteh while Sazmi is being considered for Machang.

"Both of them also want to contest state seats but the grassroots is objecting to that," the source said.

Kamaruddin is said to be eyeing the state seat of Gaal while Sazmi is lobbying to contest Pulau Condong.

If they are unable to convince the grassroots to contest state seats and win, then Kelantan Bersatu will likely have to consider other candidates.

Ultimately, both PKR and Bersatu said they will prioritise Amanah in Kelantan. - Mkini