A PAS ulama wing delegate from Selangor today questioned the party’s decision to field Meru assemblyperson Dr Abdul Rani Osman in the upcoming Sungai Besar by-election.

The delegate, Nik Bakri Nik Mat, described the contest between Abdul Rani and the yet-to-be announced candidate from PAS-splinter Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) as being a battle of two ‘harum manis’ – a type of mango with green skin and orange flesh.

While Nik Bakri did not elaborate further, the term ‘harum manis’ is commonly used to describe PAS members seen to be friendly towards Amanah, based on the parties’ official colours.

“On the Sungai Besar by-election, we feel that the ulama wing can be more firm in (selecting) the candidate,” he said.

Nik Bakri said this in debating the ulama wing chief’s speech at its 55th annual gathering in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan.

Nik Bakri also said that there were many other eligible candidates from the ulama or professional faction in Selangor, compared to a ‘fake’ professional candidate.

“It is undeniable that we accept and are open to the (candidacy) of a professional as a leader in Selangor but let it be a true professional. We don’t want a ‘fake’ (version) in PAS,” he said without elaborating further.

In response, PAS ulama wing chief Mahfodz Mohamed, in his winding-up speech, said the selection of candidates for both Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar was done according to procedures and approved by the party’s Syura Council.

In fact, Mahfodz said the selection process had started from PAS division level, before being taken up to the state and central leadership.

As such, Mahfodz advised that such “sensitive matters” should not have been raised during the muktamar.

“Sensitive issues should not have been raised at this ulama wing’s muktamar, especially on by-election candidates.

“It does not matter who (the candidate is); it has been decided and as such, we must abide by the decision and respect all instructions to ensure victory for the candidate,” he said.

Abdul Rani was a former PAS Selangor commissioner and set to contest against BN's Budiman Mohd Zohdi, as well as Amanah.