KEPALA BATAS: Penang Pas Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has been named to contest in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency in the 14th general election (GE14).
His candidacy was announced by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, which is set to pave way for a three-cornered fight between the party, Barisan Nasional and PKR.
Pas has been contesting the seat since 1969 before surrendering it to PKR in the 1999 general election.
Abdul Hadi said the announcement for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency was made earlier due to several factors, including the fact that it was a special seat for the party.
“I have confidence in this young man to win back the seat for Pas.
“We want to win back this seat as this is where Pas all began back in 1955.
“However, this is not a ground for us to take revenge on any political parties,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference, Afnan Hamimi, 37, said he has his own strategy in efforts to win back the seat, which is currently held by PKR president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
“I am confident that the people of Permatang Pauh will choose a local candidate who can serve them at all times,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi also said that Parti Amanah Negara’s (PAN) participation in the general election would not have any bearing on the Islamist party.
“PAN is merely a splinter party of Pas. We have had history with splinter parties since the 1960s,” he added.
Meanwhile, when asked if he would defend his Marang parliamentary constituency, he said it depends on the party’s decision.
“The party has yet to decide whether I will continue to contest a parliamentary or a state seat.
“I give the party the freedom to decide on my candidacy but it has always been Pas’s practice that our candidates only contest in one seat,” he noted.