IPOH: The Tambun parliamentary seat does not belong to any Pakatan Harapan party and anyone can throw their name into the ring to contest there, says Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.
The Perak Opposition chief, who has declared his interest in standing there, said in principle, a seat would only belong to one party when its candidate won it.
The state DAP vice-chairman said since its MP, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia had left Pakatan, it is now an "empty" seat.
"All parties can put forward their candidates that are acceptable by the people based on personality or track record.
"I am not saying I will be the candidate but merely offering myself to stand there," he told a press conference at his house in Pengkalan Tiara here Friday (May 27).
"In the end, the Pakatan leadership will decide," he added.
Abdul Aziz, who is Tebing Tinggi assemblyman, has reportedly declared that he intends to contest against Ahmad Faizal in the 15th General Election.
This had not gone well with Parti Amanah Negara, with its state Youth chief Khairol Najib Hashim, calling on Abdul Aziz to respect the ongoing negotiations between component parties.
On this, Abdul Aziz said there were no ongoing negotiations between Pakatan parties as claimed.
"I don't see an issue here as I am only stating my interest.
"Khairol Najib can come meet me as I believe he may not have full information on the matter," he said, adding that he will also be defending his state seat.
Abdul Aziz also believes he would make a good candidate with his experience.
"The incumbent is a minister and I am the current state Opposition chief, a former state executive council member and also a party vice-chairman.
"I think we need someone with similar calibre as the sitting MP," he said, adding that he has begun working in Tambun since 2020.
"I have worked and met with Amanah and PKR members in Hulu Kinta and Manjoi and their members have accepted me," he added.
