Ex-navy man jumping ship to Bersatu strategic move, says PAS

• UPDATED 3.02PM | Added Wan Fayhsal’s comments.

Mohd Rizwadi Ismail’s move to quit PAS and join Bersatu more than 24 hours before being named as Perikatan Nasional’s candidate for the Nenggiri by-election in Kelantan was a strategic decision.

According to the Islamic party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, a survey showed the 41-year-old former navy personnel had a higher chance of winning the state seat compared to other candidates from Bersatu.

“The priority is to have a winnable candidate. So when we were considering two to three names, he (Rizwadi) was found to be better accepted by the voters.

“So, we proposed his name and Bersatu agreed,” he told Malaysiakini.

Rizwadi (above) is reported to have tendered his resignation as a PAS member on Sunday, which was approved on the same day. He then immediately joined Bersatu.

Yesterday, the PN leadership announced him as the coalition’s candidate for the by-election and this courted ridicule from their rivals.

Rizwadi appealing for PAS, Bersatu members

Elaborating, Tuan Ibrahim said the PN leadership felt that Rizwadi would appeal to both PAS and Bersatu supporters.

Furthermore, he pointed out that PAS wielded greater influence in the Gua Musang parliamentary constituency, which encompasses Nenggiri, compared to its partner.

“... in Kelantan, the usual fights are between PAS and Umno. Other parties like Bersatu are strong only in certain areas, where they have branches and such.

“For Gua Musang, especially areas like Nenggiri, PAS has a stronger presence,” he added.

Tuan Ibrahim said Rizwadi had to quit PAS and join Bersatu because of the seat arrangement between PN component parties. The candidate will also contest under the PAS logo.

Describing it as nothing unusual, the PAS leader said other parties have employed similar tactics in the past.

Responding to a question, Tuan Ibrahim believes that PN would be able to retain the Nenggiri seat with a bigger margin.

“Based on the current sentiment, we expect to perform better compared to the last state election,” he added.

‘Not forced to take oath’

A video of Rizwadi taking a sumpah laknat oath yesterday made its rounds on social media after he did not raise his right hand during the process.

In the viral X video, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan was seen coming up to Rizwadi and lifting his hand to place it into the oath-taking position.

Speaking to reporters today, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal denied allegations that PAS had “forced” Rizwadi to make the pledge.

“Rizwadi is a new candidate. So he forgot (to lift his hand) and the leader (Takiyuddin) only reminded him.

“Rizwadi (took the oath) willingly,” Wan Fayhsal said.

The by-election was called after Kelantan state assembly speaker Mohd Amar Abdullah announced a vacancy on June 13, following Bersatu’s move to drop its incumbent Mohd Azizi Abu Naim.

Nomination day and early voting have been set for Aug 3 and 13 respectively, while voters will go to the polls on Aug 17.

Azizi won the state seat by 810 votes against BN’s Ab Aziz Yusoff in the state election last year.

Wan Fayhsal today also condemned Azizi, saying Bersatu is ashamed and furious over his betrayal of PN.

“He is the most despicable (haprak) person that Bersatu has ever endorsed.

“He has tarnished Bersatu’s name in Gua Musang and Kelantan. We will fight him till the end at court, God willing,” he stressed.

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