Politics in Sarawak differs from peninsula politics, and PAS’ Beting Maro candidate, 32-year-old lawyer Abang Ahmad Kerdee Abang Manggus, is testament of this.

NONE While the action in Beting Maro is expected to be heated, thanks to PAS Terengganu’s aggressive campaign strategy, it is Abang Ahmad’s God-given assets that are giving him an almost rock star appeal.

As the youngest PAS candidate in the Sarawak polls, Abang Ahmad ( centre in photo ) is turning heads in the small town, grabbing attention mostly from the womenfolk who openly tease the “handsome boy” during his campaign rounds.

NONE “Wow, he is handsome, and so young,” a group of 40-something Malay women were heard whispering to one another.

Having perhaps had to deal with his good looks all his life, Abang Ahmad, who is better known as Abang Mat, appears at ease with his heart-throb status.

“I was at a longhouse and was told that my posters have been removed from public areas and stuck in wardrobes.

“When someone looks good, then people will feel drawn to them,” he said jokingly, to laughter among those within hearing distance in the coffee shop.

NONE His admirers will, however, have to apply a look-but-no-touch policy for Abang Mat, who was dressed in a white baju Melayu and songkok on nomination day, is happily married with two children.

In 2006, PAS fielded religious scholar Alem Din, who narrowly lost to BN’s Bolhassan @ Ahmad Di by 895 votes.

There are 4,742 voters registered in this Malay-Melanau area.