GE13: PAS and PKR leaders don’t see eye to eye over seat allocation

(The Star) – Rivalry between the Kelantan Pakatan Rakyat has surfaced as PAS and PKR leaders here jostle for seats in defiance of the agreed allocations decided by their respective party leaders.

Guchil Hulu PAS branch head Muhamad Bustamam Yaacob is contesting as an independent against Guchil state seat incumbent, PKR assemblyman Tuan Zamri Ariff Tuan Zakaria.

Muhamad Bustamam claimed he is challenging Tuan Zamri Ariff as he is going against the spirit of Pakatan.

Sinar Online, quoting Bernama, had reported that Muhamad Bustamam also said grassroots members had urged him to take on Tuan Zamri Ariff.

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat criticised his decision, saying it would create a split in the Opposition coalition.

The Kelantan Mentri Besar also said such a move by a PAS member was in violation of the pact on seat allocation.

In the 2008 general election, Tuan Zamri Ariff defeated Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Shamsul Ikhwan Ashaari Azmi.

Guchil, within the Tanah Merah parliamentary constituency, is the only seat won by PKR of the five it contested in 2008.

Over in Bachok, incumbent MP Nasharuddin Mat Isa will not be defending the seat and the division is having trouble finding the right candidate.

They need a strong opponent to contest against Barisan’s Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussain, who is tipped to contest.

Although Bachok PAS chief Datuk Omar Mohammed, 70, is the clear choice, former Bachok Umno youth chief Zaiyadi Awang Noh, who is a PKR member now, is lobbying too.

Also in the fray is Bachok PAS Youth chief Ahmad Marzukh.

Party insiders said that about 70% of grassroots members support Omar, a five-term assemblyman, to contest the seat.

Sources added that grassroots members feel uncomfortable with Zaiyadi as many of his family members are still in Umno.