Pakatan Harapan's decision to field Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz as its candidate showed that the coalition was desperate, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said.

"They are desperate to the point that they are using the children of PAS leaders. PAS members will not follow leaders who leave the party.

"In the 1950s, Ahmad Fuad Hassan left the party. So did Asri Muda (in 1979).

"But PAS continues to grow. This shows that PAS does not rely on personalities," he told reporters after a function in Sungai Buloh, Selangor today.

He said this when asked if Nik Omar's decision to join Harapan would be detrimental to PAS.

According to him, PAS grassroots have been taught to stay loyal to the party and not to follow any individuals. 

"PAS supporters follow the party, not individuals. If the individual changes party, the supporter will remain with the party.

"This is what we have inculcated in PAS supporters," said the Marang parliamentary candidate.

Nik Omar is the second child and eldest son of former PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat. He is a respected preacher and runs an Islamic school in Kelantan.

His candidacy for the Chempaka state seat in Kelantan was announced only at nomination day, sending ripples throughout PAS.

Many PAS leaders, including his younger brother Nik Abduh, had criticised him for leaving PAS.

Nik Omar is presently campaigning for Harapan in the Klang Valley.

He is expected to address a ceramah in Putrajaya tonight alongside Harapan leader Dr Mahthir Mohamad.

Meanwhile, Hadi also criticised Harapan as desperate, for roping in pensioners to back the coalition up. 

He was referring to former cabinet minister Rafidah Aziz, Daim Zainuddin and Rais Yatim, who are voicing out against the current administration and appear to be openly supporting Harapan.