PKR and Umno appear to have problems deciding on a suitable contender

(The Star) – Although a fierce fight is anticipated in Permatang Pauh, both PKR and Umno are embroiled in another battle – finding the right candidate.

If PKR fields Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and should Umno opt for Mohd Norsafri Said, both parties cannot escape allegations of nepotism.

Permatang Pauh Umno chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Said is said to have lobbied hard for his relative Mohd Norsafri to contest the seat as a “fresh face” while Dr Wan Azizah is seen as a recycled candidate after voluntarily resigning as Permatang Pauh MP seven years ago to make way for her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

PKR is harping on the Goods and Services Tax grouses while Umno may capitalise on the internal friction in Pakatan Rakyat over PAS’ hudud plans.

PKR’s claim that the Barisan Nasional government is being mean to the rakyat by implementing GST may not hold water, however, as the locals are said to be upset with the state government for raising, among others, water tariff, assessment rate and market kiosk fee.

Barisan has also short-listed Penang Biro Tatanegara director and Permatang Pauh Umno information chief Hasan Mohammad, 50, to contest the seat.

Although Hasan is a familiar face in Permatang Pauh – where he is fondly known as Cikgu Hasan – he may not be able to garner PAS’ protest vote.

The Islamist party in Permatang Pauh had given an ultimatum to PKR to apologise for objecting against hudud or else, they would not participate in the campaigning.

PKR should fret if Barisan decides at the 11th hour to field Dr Mazlan Ismail, who had succeeded in reducing Anwar’s majority by 5,000 votes in the 2013 general election.

PAS Permatang Pauh Information chief Jamsari Samad said disgruntled members might not have qualms giving their vote to the likes of Dr Mazlan.

“Dr Mazlan comes from a respectable family and, most importantly, his family and relatives are PAS members.

“PAS members and supporters who are angry with PKR may boycott the by-election.

“But if the likes of Dr Mazlan contest, some may even go out and give him the protest vote,” he said.

However, as of yesterday, Dr Mazlan had not been short-listed as some claim that he had not been active after losing in the polls two years ago.

In George Town, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) secretary-general Koh Swee Yong said it would be contesting, adding that a candidate would be announced in a few days time.

It is learnt that a former civil servant in his 50s has been chosen by PRM to stand in the constituency.

Sources said the candidate, who is now a businessman, was born and bred in the constituency and was well-known among the locals.