Amanah: Mat Sabu likely to contest Shah Alam parliamentary seat

Three time loser Mat Sabu trying to break the jinx by contesting in Shah Alam

(The Star) – Amanah president Mohamad Sabu is likely to contest the Shah Alam parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election.

Although this has yet to be finalised by the party, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad said he was prepared to give up his seat, to which he was elected for the past two terms.

Khalid, who is also Amanah communications director, said the party has shortlisted two constituencies which are deemed winnable for them, Shah Alam or Kota Raja.

“It is important for a party president to be in the Parliament. If the decision says I need to give up my seat, I will do so,” he said when contacted on Thursday.

Although Mohamad, who hails from Kedah, lost in the Pendang parliamentary seat during the previous general election, Khalid said this would not be an issue if he were to stand as a candidate in Selangor.

“He lives with his family in Shah Alam and all his children vote here. Whether or not the people would accept him, that is up to them to decide,” he said.

Asked where his next constituency would be if he no longer stood in Shah Alam, Khalid said there was a possibility that he would be moved to Johor.

“I don’t mind moving to another state as people already know my performance and track record in Shah Alam for the past 10 years,” he added.

Khalid said Johor would be suitable for him as he had family ties in the southern state, considering that his brother, Datuk Seri Shahrir Samad is a long-term Johor Baru parliamentarian.

He also said he was not worried about being dubbed a “parachute candidate” – an election candidate who does not live or has little connection to the area he or she is contesting.

“They can call me whatever they want but no one can deny that I have roots in Johor, as both of my parents are from Muar.

“I think I will have the advantage as the people can already evaluate my performance as an MP for two terms in Shah Alam,” Khalid said, adding that he has no problem moving to Johor if he wins the election.

Attempts to get Mohamad for comments have been unsuccessful so far.