IPOH: Datuk Mohammad Kazim Elias (pic) withdrew himself as Barisan Nasional's Larut parliamentary candidate when his name was announced prior to the start of the 15th General Elections (GE15) as his brother was also contesting in the same constituency.
The preacher - who was supposed to contest under a Barisan Nasional ticket - said that he withdrew his candidacy when it was announced as his brother Capt (R) Datuk Mohd Najmuddin Elias is contesting the Batu Kurau state seat on a Perikatan Nasional candidate.
His candidacy had been announced in the run-up to Nomination Day on Saturday (Nov 5) by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Explaining his decision at a special press conference on Sunday (Nov 6), he said that his late mother had always advised him to never stand as a candidate in a constituency where his brothers were also contesting.
“Both my older brother and I did not think the other was contesting and we did not communicate with each other," said Mohammad Kazim.
He added that when Ahmad Zahid announced his name as Barisan's Larut candidate, only then did he know that his brother was contesting and pulled out to give way to him.
Mohammad Kazim said he had earlier informed Ahmad Zahid about this principle of his to not contest against other siblings.
“I am not an Umno member, but I was offered to contest in Larut under Barisan’s ticket due to my knowledge and experience as a preacher," he added.
“The party’s (Umno) president told me that it is OK that I am not a member, as they wanted people of various professionals and religious backgrounds to contribute their experience and expertise, and thus I was chosen,” said Mohammad Kazim.
Asked if he would be supporting his brother or Umno's new candidate Mohd Shafiq Fhadly Mahmud replacing him, Mohammad Kazim said that he will not be representing any political parties.
“I will go anywhere to give religious talks involving harmony, family ties, unity, and positive matters. For anyone who invites me, there should not be any coalition or party flags involved and candidates should not campaign at the event," he said.
"I will not be siding with and campaigning for them either," added Mohammad Kazim.
Mohammad Kazim said he was a PAS member from 1997 until he quit in 2014.
“I am now not a member of any political party, as I am happy being an independent preacher. I have friends from all political parties including PAS, PKR, Umno and Bersatu, and that is not a problem at all,” he added.
