Pas denies fielding former PM Dr Mahathir in Kemaman by-election

KUALA TERENGGANU - Pas vice president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has denied that the party is considering fielding former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a candidate for the upcoming Kemaman by-election.

He said that no discussion had yet taken place with the party's top leadership regarding preparations for the poll, including the selection of candidates.

"I didn't hear any talk about it; I only read about it in the media and there was no discussion in that direction. We haven't sat down with the top leadership to discuss preparations for the election, especially the selection of candidates.

"Not sure (of the date of the meeting). So far, there has yet to be a call for meeting. Most of the states (leaders) have a lot of things to deal with anyways.

"I am in Terengganu and many things need to be resolved. It is expected that it (meeting) will be held in Kuala Lumpur next week," he said.

Samsuri made the remarks at the Terengganu State Assembly Conference today.

Earlier, a local portal claimed that Pas might field Dr Mahathir as a candidate for the by-election.

The report quoted a source close to Dr Mahathir as saying that nomination negotiations had allegedly occurred.

The source said that the nomination would allow Dr Mahathir to serve as a "more effective check and balance on the Unity Government" which he has been a staunch critic of since it took over the Federal Government last November.

Samsuri said that anything was possible, but that he would not rule out the possibility of retaining the existing candidate in the Parliament seat.

He also said that anyone could be nominated as a candidate for the by-election, as long as they had the specified qualifications.

"With regard to fielding a candidate Bersatu, so far, there is no such proposal.

"That's a traditional Pas seat. It's an incumbent seat of Pas," he pointed.

On Sept 26, the Kuala Terengganu Election Court annulled the victory of Kemaman MP Che Alias Hamid from Pas in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Judge Anselm Charles Fernandis had ruled in favour of the petitioner, Wan Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil, saying that Wan Hisham had proven allegations of bribery by Che Alias beyond reasonable doubt.