Al-Azhar grad in running as PAS' Sg Limau candidate

As behind the scenes negotiations begin for PAS' champion in the Sungai Limau by-election, a new name has emerged as among the potential candidates - Jerai PAS Youth chief Azam Samad.

"He is a political mentee of Azizan Abdul Razak. Even though he had never contested (in an election) before, he has a good track record in the party and not known to have enemies within the party," a source told Malaysiakini.

Azizan was the incumbent in Sungai Limau and former Kedah Menteri Besar. He died of heart complications on Sept 26.

Azam (left), who is an Al-Azhar University graduate, teaches at the local religious school and is a senior assistant there.

His grandfather was a founding member of Kedah PAS and a candidate for the Sala state assembly which is today's Sungai Limau.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that two other local PAS Youth personalities were also among those shortlisted to be the Islamist party's candidate in the Nov 4 by-election.

They are Muzaini Azizan who is former special secretary to then Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan and Kedah PAS secretary Musoddak Ahmad.

The party is expected to finalise its candidate before October 23 which is nomination day.