PAS needs Samsuri’s moderate image in parliament, say analysts

 

Experts are tipping Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to be the PAS candidate at the Kemaman by-election on Dec 2. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: PAS should field Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar for the Kemaman parliamentary by-election as the party needs the voice of a technocrat in the Dewan Rakyat, an analyst said.

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Samsuri’s academic background would allow PAS to project a non-religious perspective in Parliament.

The political scientist also said election to a federal seat would prepare the PAS vice-president for service at federal level should the party form a government in the future.

“Samsuri deserves to be selected to enhance his national profile and prepare him to shoulder responsibilities at the federal level if PAS were to reach the pinnacle of federal power, for example, if PAS were to join a unity government,” Fauzi told FMT.

On Monday, FMT reported Samsuri’s emergence as a likely candidate for the by-election on Dec 2.

Sources familiar with the matter said he may be proposed by the party leadership to bolster the voice of the opposition in Parliament.

In the general election last year, Che Alias Hamid won by a majority of 27,179 votes in a four-cornered contest that also featured former Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Said.

However, the result was nullified on Sept 26 when an election court in Kuala Terengganu held that the distribution of government aid to voters during the campaign period constituted election bribery.

Meanwhile, Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said Samsuri’s image would be enhanced by his entry into federal politics as he is not currently in the national spotlight.

Jeniri believes the PAS vice-president’s more moderate stance is needed to soften the party’s image among non-Muslim voters.

“Samsuri is a candidate who doesn’t need any further introduction because he has already become a household name, and is well-known throughout Terengganu, with people aware of his capabilities and credibility.

“Otherwise, he would not have been nominated as menteri besar,” said Jeniri. - FMT