MELAKA: PAS is eyeing a rematch with former Melaka chief minister Adly Zahari in Bukit Katil, with its Hang Tuah Jaya chief shortlisted to contest the seat in the upcoming state election.
A PAS insider told The Star that Muhammad Al Afiz Yahya, 37, was the party’s prospective candidate to take on the Pakatan Harapan incumbent after failing to wrest the seat in 2021.
“We are likely to see a three- or four-cornered fight in Bukit Katil, with Parti Bersama Malaysia also vying for the seat,” he said on Monday (Oct 12).
Bersama has announced Dr Aliza Che Amran as its candidate for Bukit Katil.
The insider said a rematch would be particularly interesting as Adly had previously led PAS in Melaka before joining Amanah.
He said Muhammad Al Afiz had continued serving constituents despite losing in the last state election.
“The political landscape has changed since then, but the party is prepared to accept whatever decision the voters make,” he said.
In the 2021 Melaka election, Adly retained Bukit Katil with 6,805 votes, defeating Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Hasnoor Sdg Husin by a majority of 1,057 votes.
Hasnoor garnered 5,748 votes, while Muhammad Al Afiz, who contested for PAS under the Perikatan Nasional banner, secured 3,715 votes.
Independent candidate Abdul Hamid Mustapah received 109 votes in the four-cornered contest.
The insider said PAS leaders had directed the party machinery to focus on Bukit Katil, Bemban, Ayer Keroh and Paya Rumput, where the party intends to field candidates.
He acknowledged that PAS faced an uphill task in winning over non-Muslim voters in mixed constituencies such as Bemban, Paya Rumput and Ayer Keroh.
“Certain political parties have portrayed us negatively.
“We will involve members of our multiracial affiliate in the campaign to help address these perceptions among voters during the state election,” he added.
