‘Husam may lose in Putrajaya’

Malay daily Sinar Harian says the parliamentary seat is a BN stronghold and the potential PAS candidate must offer something substantial to win over urban Malay voters.

PETALING JAYA: If PAS fields Husam Musa as its candidate for Putrajaya, chances are he would be doomed as Putrajaya is a Barisan Nasional stronghold, reported Malay daily Sinar Harian.

Husam is currently Kelantan state exco, Salor assemblyman and PAS vice-president. He was Kubang Kerian MP from 1999 to 2004.

Yesterday, Sinar Harian reported Husam’s willingness to contest the Putrajaya parliamentary seat currently held by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor who is also Umno secretary-general.

Jayum Jawan of the National Council of Professors, however, did not totally discount Husam’s chances of winning as he is well-versed in issues affecting the middle class.

Jayum, who is deputy head of the council’s politics, security and international affairs, said Husam is a man of integrity and stands a good chance if PAS and Pakatan Rakyat pick him for the seat.

“The urban Malay voters needs to be served with food for thought if PAS truly wants to capture Putrajaya parliamentary seat,” said Jayum.

‘Nizar’s move not official’
Berita Harian, meanwhile, reported Perak PKR chairman Muhammad Nur Manuty’s displeasure over PAS’ move to announce Nizar Jamaluddin as a candidate for Changkat Jering.

Nur Manuty, who was named as candidate for Bagan Serai parliamentary seat, said that the decision to field Nizar in Changkat Jering was not the official stand of Pakatan.

The daily also reported Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) president, Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee, dismissing rumours he would be fielded as an Umno candidate in Johor.

There were speculations that he would be fielded in one of the four parliamentary seats – Parit Sulong, Sri Gading, Ayer Hitam and Batu Pahat.

The speculation arose due to previous MYC chiefs who became Umno leaders after heading the council.

The Malay daily also reported Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir cautioning BN component parties in the state not to emulate the opposition front which he claimed was fragmented.