GE14 | Amanah president Mohamad Sabu appeared to be out of the loop when asked about speculation that Nik Omar Nik Aziz could contest the Chempaka state seat in Kelantan as an Amanah member.

Nevertheless, he said he has heard that Nik Omar is indeed prepared to contest, which could give way for a showdown with his younger brother Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, who is a PAS member, at their late father Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s former constituency.

“So far, that’s what I’m hearing from Kelantan but it hasn’t been officially confirmed. But that’s what the reports are saying. He is prepared.

“If it is confirmed that he will be contesting, then Chempaka is the place,” he told reporters in Subang today when asked.

Earlier this morning, a source from Kelantan Amanah said Nik Omar has personally confirmed intentions to contest the Chempaka seat but has some final issues to settle with his mother.

"Nik Omar didn't come today," said the source when met at Amanah's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, where Mat Sabu was giving a briefing to the party's prospective candidates.

"The reason is still a secret but InsyaAllah he will come (and contest)...He has confirmed but he still has some issues to settle with his mother," he said.

It was previously reported that Nik Omar and Nik Abduh's mother, Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak, has yet to give her blessings for their rumoured face-off in GE14.

However, Malaysiakini reported today that Nik Abduh denied that his brother would be contesting under Amanah.

“(Nik Omar) joining Amanah won’t happen. There were no discussions, our family denies it. This is propaganda to divide the people of Kelantan,” he said.

Meanwhile, speculation is also rife that Mohamad will be contesting in Kota Raja, while the incumbent MP Siti Mariah Mahmud will be fielded in the Seri Serdang state constituency in Selangor.

When asked, Mohamad said both his and Siti’s candidacy are still being finalised, but he confirmed that the party plans to field Siti in a state seat.

Additional reporting by ALYAA ALHADJRI.