Selangor PAS Ulama questions Dr Rani's candidacy

PASIR PUTEH: Selangor PAS Ulama today questioned the party's decision to field Dr Abdul Rani Osman for the Sungai Besar by-election set for June 18.
Its representative Nik Bakri Nik Mat said the Islamist party should adopt a stricter approach when naming candidates for elections, adding that the naming of Abdul Rani to contest against Parti Amanah Negara, and Barisan Nasional (BN), has raised several eyebrows.
"Maybe we, Selangor, feel that in terms of the choosing of the candidate, it was more of a 'sweet-smelling candy versus sweet-smelling candy' (harum manis lawan harum manis)," he said during the 55th PAS Ulama Muktamar, here, yesterday.
The term "harum manis" is usually used by PAS to refer to party members who have shown interest for its splinter party Amanah. Nik Bakri, however, did not eleborate why he branded Abdul Rani as one.
Nik Bakri said instead, the party should have more confidence in its members who are professionals individuals.
"We are very open to having them (professionals) to lead Selangor. What we do not want are 'pirated' professionals. We hope the party will understand Selangor's hope and suggestion," he added.
BN has named Budiman Mohd Zohdi as their candidate for the Sungai Besar by-election, while Amanah has yet to name theirs.
Amanah is set to name its candidate tonight.