GE15: Preacher Kazim pulls out as BN candidate to avoid clash with brother, says source

IPOH: Not wanting to contest in the same constituency as his brother, popular preacher and ustaz Datuk Mohammad Kazim Elias decided to pull out as a candidate for GE15.

According to a source, Kazim’s older brother, a former Armed Forces officer, would be contesting the Batu Kurau state seat under the Larut parliamentary constituency for Bersatu.

“Interestingly, he (Kazim) does not want to indirectly be in a situation going against his brother,” added the source.

Mohammad Kazim, according to Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, had pulled out at the eleventh hour as Barisan Nasional candidate for Larut.

He was replaced by Petroleum engineer Mohd Shafiq Fhadly Mahmud.

Mohammad Kazim’s brother Capt (R) Datuk Mohd Najmuddin Elias will contest in Batu Kurau.