Being an ulama (Islamic religious expert) is no longer an important criteria for PAS in choosing election candidates, said Kelantan PAS Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yakob.
Ahmad, who is also the Menteri Besar of Kelantan, said whether the party's candidate was an ulama or non-ulama had no bearing on its supporters.
He said this was why the party had chosen a businessman to be its candidate for the Pengkalan Kubor by-election.
He told this to reporters after the nomination process for the by-election at the Tumpat Land and District Office here today.
PAS is fielding a local, Wan Rosdi Wan Ibrahim, 56, who is a building contractor and Tumpat PAS secretary, as its candidate for the by-election, polling of which is on Sept 25.
The contest is a three-cornered fight with the other candidates being Mat Razi Mat Ail, 48, from the Barisan Nasional and Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary, 47, an independent.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, when met at the nomination centre, said with Wan Rosdi being a local and a community activist, the party was confident of wresting the seat from, BN.
He said PAS would rely on its manifesto for the last general election and its strategy was to do house-to-house campaigning to win over voters.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Tian Chua, meanwhile, said although PKR was making way for PAS to contest the seat this time, he was confident voters would support Wan Rosdi.
"This by-election is important as it will be an indicator of Pakatan Rakyat's strength in Kelantan," he said.
The by-election is being held following the death of incumbent Datuk Noor Zahidi Omar, from BN, on Aug 20.
In the last general election, Noor Zahidi beat Parti Keadilan Rakyat candidate, Shaharun Ibrahim and independent, Izat Bukhary Ismail Mukhary with a majority of 1,736 votes.
Bernama
Sat Sep 13 2014
Being an ulama is no longer an important criteria for PAS in choosing election candidates. - Bernama Photo
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.