Najib vs Hadi: What they say

PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang’s recent statement that he would abide by party decision to contest any seat at the coming general election, including in Pekan where prime minister Najib Razak is the incumbent, has drawn a flurry of reactions.

He is the party president, whatever he says, we will support for the benefit of the party and Islam’s struggle. I strongly support him if Abdul Hadi truly wants to contest in Pekan in the next general election against those who glorify race over religion.

Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, PAS Murshidul Am

Najib's career will end if Hadi wins in Pekan.

Liew Chin Tong, Bukit Bendera MP

Pekan, in 1999 election, BN won with only 200+... in 2004, election boundary change[d], [and] included army camp to increase postal vote. Now BN majority is more [than] 20 thousand.

Saifuddin Nasution, PKR secretary general

If his intention can defeat the incumbent, why not the party accept it?

Fuziah Salleh, Kuantan MP

I think he will still (contest) in Marang. At this point, we have yet to discuss. Maybe he just wants to show his readiness to oblige to whatever decision by the party.|

Mustafa Ali, PAS secretary general

I haven’t seen him yet to see whether it is true or not. Nevertheless, this means he is ready to serve the party.

Harun Taib, PAS Ulama chief

Is there no other leader in Pekan to the extent an outsider or parachute candidate has to be brought in? It is very clear, they [PAS] look desperate and are putting a top leader there to gain votes.

Ahmad Maslan, UMNO information chief

He himself is afraid that Najib will lose.

Mahfuz Omar, PAS vice president, on Maslan’s reaction

This is one of PAS’ gimmicks. No need to entertain this. He should just walk the talk. If he really does it he must be having a “death wish”.

Ahmad Said, Terengganu MB

Just forget the intention to contest in Pekan because the people here are comfortable and are taken care of by the leadership of the party of their choice.|

Ishak Muhamad, Pekan UMNO deputy chief

As a party president, if you really want to retire, choose a better way... don’t retire in failure. If Hadi stands in Pekan, he will not win but will face massive defeat.

Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Kota Belud MP

Who is Hadi? Pekan folks do not know him... I am confident that he will lose with a big majority.

Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, Pasir Salak MP

If you want to contest, do it properly... this only seems like he wants to show his greatness.

Samsul Bari Jamali, UMNO Johor information chief

The possibility of this contest is non-existent. If it happens, this is an extraordinary political shift. There’s no way for someone in a safe zone to go to unsafe zone.

Dr. Mohammad Redzuan Othman, UMCEDEL director

It’s just a ploy to challenge Najib’s popularity.

Zambry Abdul Kadir, Perak MB

I welcome his statement to challenge Najib in Pekan, a constituency he chose himself. Hadi is qualified because he is PAS president, while Najib is UMNO president. President takes on president.

Zainal Kling, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris lecturer

-Harakahdaily