GE14 | Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz has found himself in the limelight ever since he was announced as Pakatan Harapan's candidate for the Chempaka state seat in Kelantan.

The second child of the late PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was a member of the Islamist party. He was sacked on the same day he was announced as a candidate under the ticket of Amanah - a PAS splinter party.

The 53-year-old is not only actively campaigning in Chempaka, but is also "migrating" hundreds of kilometres, to Kuala Lumpur. He will attend two events, in Shah Alam and Putrajaya, just today.

Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi opined that Nik Omar's presence in the Klang Valley will impact voters, especially fence sitters, as well as PAS supporters who are unsure who to vote for.

However, he will have no luck with hardcore PAS supporters, he added.

"When Nik Omar joined Amanah, it created a second wave against PAS, and the impact was felt in the Klang Valley, and this will increase votes for Amanah and Harapan.

"He may also attract votes from PAS supporters who are unsure whether to support PAS or Amanah.

"However, this (Nik Omar's presence) will not sway hardcore PAS supporters," Awang Azman told Malaysiakini when contacted.

According to him, a study by Universiti Malaya (UM) researchers found that fence-sitters in the Klang Valley numbered to between 35 and 40 percent.

"Nik Omar's presence with the Harapan leadership will give an added value," he said.

Meanwhile, Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar explained that Nik Omar's presence in the Klang Valley was his "responsibility" as a party member, to help garner extra support for Harapan.

"We are not using him. I think Nik Omar is carrying out his duty as an Amanah member to help Harapan get better support."

Amanah communications leader Khalid Samad echoed Mahfuz's remark.

"We hope he (Nik Omar) can attract PAS voters and supporters who are still confused about Amanah's struggle; who think Amanah is an enemy of Islam.

"Nik Omar has the same mannerisms as Tok Guru Nik Aziz. He is humble, patient, knowledgeable and well read," said Khalid.

Nik Omar can do to PAS supporters, what Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad can do to Umno supporters, he added.

For the record, another son of Nik Abdul Aziz - Nik Abduh - is also contesting in the Bachok parliamentary seat.

Unlike Nik Omar, this is not the virgin foray into political candidacy for Nik Abduh. The 48-year-old is the incumbent MP for the Pasir Mas parliamentary seat.