Preacher Kazim pulls out from Larut contest

In a turn of events, famous preacher Mohd Kazim Elias who was nominated last night as BN’s Larut parliamentary seat candidate in the upcoming general election has been replaced.

Perak BN chairperson Saarani Mohamad said this when making the announcement for the state seat candidates at Casuarina Meru Hotel, Ipoh today.

“Kazim (above) has pulled out at the eleventh hour.

“He has been replaced by Mohd Shafiq Fhadly Mahmud. The decision was made at the very last minute," Saarani added.

Yesterday, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Kazim would stand in Larut.

Shafiq is expected to go against Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin who won the seat in 2018 under Umno but later defected to Bersatu.

Speaking at a presser, Saarani said Kazim, who is fondly known as Ustaz Kazim, pulled out at 1am.

“I don’t know what’s the reason, you’ll have to ask him.”

It is understood that the popular preacher decided on the move due to personal matters - after his brother, Najmuddin Elias, was named as a candidate at the Batu Kurau state seat under Perikatan Nasional.

Perak has 59 state seats and BN previously announced that the alliance will be contesting in all of them.

However, Saarani only named candidates for 55 out of 59 seats, saying that Aulong was previously contested by Gerakan, while Jelapang, Sungkai and Buntong were contested by MIC.

“MIC is having a meeting in Kuala Lumpur now. Once there’s a decision, I will announce the remaining seats,” Saarani said.

‘Underdog’ candidate

Meanwhile, the newly named Larut candidate admitted he was shocked to be chosen to replace Kazim as he was previously informed that he would be contesting the Kubu Gajah state seat.

“At the wee hours this morning, Ustaz pulled out and I was fielded to contest in the Parliament seat. I was informed of the matter this morning at 7am,” Shafiq said.

Acknowledging that he is an ‘underdog’, the 37-year-old petroleum engineer said he is ready to face anyone for the seat.

“In 2018, the people in Larut chose BN but we were betrayed. This is the time to prove that the people of Larut are still with BN, and I am confident this Nov 19, BN is the best choice for the stability and prosperity of our beloved country,” he added.

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