PAS: Harapan trying to match party's Islamic cred in Sg Bakap

Pakatan Harapan’s decision to field a candidate with a religious background in Sungai Bakap aims to balance the influence of the PAS candidate, said Penang PAS deputy chief III Mohd Yusni Mat Piah.

According to him, this is because PAS candidates usually have a religious education background.

“In my opinion, any candidate from their side is the same, it does not have any impact. If you look at their candidates in the last state election, they were state leaders and locals too.

“In my personal view, this time the candidate is more aimed at balancing the religious (background) strength of the PAS candidate.

“Because PAS and Islam are inseparable. That is why they brought in this candidate,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

Yusni (above), who is also the Penaga assemblyperson, said this when asked about the possibility of PAS facing tough competition as Harapan has fielded an academic.

Last night, Malaysiakini reported that the former director of the northern branch of the Aminuddin Baki Institute (IAB), Joohari Ariffin, was announced as the Harapan candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election.

He holds a degree in economics and Islamic studies from Universiti Malaya and a doctorate from the Universiti Sains Malaysia.

The by-election, which will be held on July 6, is being conducted following the death of its incumbent from PAS, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24.

‘PAS candidate will match Joohari’

Yusni said he is confident that the candidate to be announced by PAS on June 15 will be able to match Joohari’s stature.

He also emphasised that the Harapan candidate is not a native of Sungai Bakap as he was born in the Permatang Pauh area.

“He only studied in Sungai Bakap, but here in Penang, that is not an issue. Many leaders from the (state) Harapan leadership are not locals either, it is open here.

“The important thing is who can serve the people better. God willing, the PAS candidate later will be of equal stature and more credible,” he said.

Yusni believed that the Sungai Bakap by-election would signal the people’s rejection of the federal government.

“We are hearing the grievances of the people regarding the cost of living, now with the increase (rationalisation) of diesel prices, it is causing public anger.

“This is an early signal shown by the people,” he claimed.

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