PSM likely to field Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul in Semenyih

PSM Youth member Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul is believed to be the party's candidate for the upcoming Semenyih by-election.

A party source said that the decision to field Nik Aziz instead of PSM stalwart S Arutchelvan in Semenyih was made by the central committee.

"He is a local from Semenyih, who understands local issues. He is often on the ground with Arutchelvan to learn about the problems faced by the people of Semenyih," the source told Malaysiakini.

Arutchelvan had contested the Semenyih seat unsuccessfully since 2004.

Nik Aziz was supposed to replace him in the 14th general election, but the PSM source said the former had to be dropped for "unavoidable reasons".

Semenyih was previously an Umno seat before it was captured by Bersatu last year.

The PSM source, however, denied Nik Aziz was chosen for his ethnicity.

"He was picked because of his ability to serve the people of Semenyih," the source added.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Arutchelvan said a final decision on PSM's candidate for the Semenyih polls will only be decided tomorrow.

"There are three names in consideration including a woman activist. The central committee will meet tomorrow to actually decide if we are going to stand in this by-election," he said.

Read more: Masseur Nik Aziz to knead his way into voters' hearts

On May 9 last year, Semenyih saw a four-cornered contest between Bersatu, Umno, PAS, and PSM.

PSM came in last place with 1,293 votes.

The late incumbent, Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, had won the seat with a majority of 8,964 votes.

Bersatu will likely field its acting Hulu Langat division chief Rais Zulkifli in the by-election, while Umno has yet to announce a candidate.

Nomination day for the Semenyih seat is on Feb 16. 

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