Akim to take action against its candidate

(Bernama) — Angkatan Keadilan Insan Malaysia (Akim) candidate Harun Alias Ab Rahman Mohamad, who withdrew at the last-minute from contesting the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, faces disciplinary action from the party.

Akim president Hanafi Hamat said besides withdrawing from the by-election at the last minute, Harun Alias had also betrayed the party by openly declaring his support for the PAS candidate.

“Harun Alias has disappointed the party with his actions,” he told Bernama here on Tuesday, nomination day for the Jan 17 by-election.

Harun Alias was at the nomination centre at the State Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Tuesday morning, but shocked everyone, especially Akim members and supporters, when he announced his withdrawal without giving any specific reason.

He also stated his support for the PAS candidate in the by-election, Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut.

The by-election will see a three-cornered fight involving Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh of Barisan Nasional, PAS’ Mohd Abdul Wahid and an independent, Azharudin Mamat @ Adam.

Hanafi said although Harun Alias’s candidature did not receive his side’s blessing as it was announced by another group in the party, it did not mean that he could do what he had done.

“We did not name a second candidate as we wanted to avoid a rift in the party and decided that Harun Alias be given a chance to contest in the by-election, but his last-minute withdrawal is highly unacceptable,” he said.

In light of what happened, the Akim supreme council will convene an emergency meeting to discuss the action to be taken against Harun Alias.

Hanafi appealed to Akim supporters to remain calm and allow the party to resolve the issue.