Mahfuz to quit PAS

GEORGE TOWN: Foreseeing the possibility Kedah will fall to Pakatan Harapan in the coming general election has been cited as one of the main reasons which influenced former PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar (pix) to contemplate quitting his party.
The Pokok Sena MP said that based on his over 20 years of experience in politics, there were subtle signs that Kedah will once again fall to the Opposition despite it being a traditionally Umno or PAS stronghold.
Although he has yet to formally confirm quitting PAS, there were mounting speculations that the former PAS Information head will quit the Islamist party and perhaps either join the splinter party Amanah or Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
Mahfuz confirmed that he has scheduled a press conference later today, and urged everyone in Malaysia to monitor what he has to say.
He is to advise on how to fare well in a heated contest like Kedah where there is a possibility of multiple-cornered fights.
His former comrade Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah, who is the Kedah Opposition Leader, had joined Bersatu last month.
PAS claimed Kedah state in the 12th General Elections in 2008, led by the late Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak, who passed away at the age of 69 in September 2013.
However, in the 13th General Elections in 2013, Barisan Nasional (BN) swept back into power with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir playing an integral role in recapturing the state.
"But in 2016 both the Kedahans quit BN after falling out with Prime Minister and BN chairperson Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, hence I believe the Opposition can retake Kedah," said Mahfuz.
He said national issues have come to the fore in Kedah, with the rising cost of living, Umno's treatment of Mahathir and Mukhriz, and the scandals engulfing the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).
There may be many reports outlining economic growth but on the ground, the people are suffering from living cost issues and they are fed up with scandals which have come to lay siege on Malaysia, he claimed.
And to compound matters, Mahfuz said that the Mukhriz's successor as Mentri Besar; Datuk Paduka Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah has yet to capture the hearts of the people despite having assumed the post for over 18 months
In another development, PKR strategic planning director Sim Tze Tzin has moved to quash mounting speculations that there would be many changes in the party's line up for the next election in Penang.
Sim said that it was premature to talk about candidacy now in the midst of the New Year celebrations.
Speculations have swirled after Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, the daughter of jailed PKR founder Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, made a visit in Permatang Pauh last week to hand out flood relief aid to the constituents.
Nurul was among those touted to contest in Penang besides PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, with Sim poised to defend his Bayan Baru parliamentary seat.
Those touted to either be dropped or relocated were Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti), Cheah Kah Peng (Kebun Bunga) and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon (Pantai Jerejak), while there was a talk that Penang PKR liaison chairperson Datuk Mansor Othman will return to a state seat here.