PAS shortlists three for Bagan Pinang

Written by Yong Min Wei, The Edge 

PAS has drawn up a list of three experienced local politicians from whom to choose as its candidate for the Bagan Pinang state by-election in Negri Sembilan.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said, however, the party would only decide on its candidate after the Election Commission (EC) announces the nomination and polling dates today.

"These (three) are those who can serve the people. God willing our chances are bright," he told reporters after officiating at a welfare and people's programme in conjunction with Ramadan yesterday.

According to Hadi, the Islamic party has set a stronger footing in Bagan Pinang following the March 8 political tide and PAS is optimistic of turning the tables on the Barisan Nasional (BN) this time around.

He pointed out that the 5,000 postal voters in the constituency would not necessarily hinder PAS' chances in the by-election as it would seek the EC's assistance to allow the party campaigning rights and access to postal voters.

"In the last general election, we had quite a good share of the postal votes in Bagan Pinang. Postal votes may not just favour them (BN)" he added.

He also said the PAS-ruled states were doing well and that the party leadership managed to overcome a host of issues and take care of the well-being of all races and communities.

The Bagan Pinang seat fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman Azman Mohammad Noor recently.

In the 12th general election last year, Azman won with a 2,333-vote majority after polling 6,430 votes to defeat PAS' Ramli Ismail.