KUALA TERENGGANU: Pakatan Harapan will name a candidate to contest in the Marang Parliamentary and Rhu Rendang state seats in an attempt to oust Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang from his stronghold.
The decision by Pakatan, made at a high-level meeting last Friday, could pave the way for a three-cornered fight that would include Pas’s traditional rival, Barisan Nasional (BN).
"With the decision, a three-cornered fight is unavoidable. We have decided to name a candidate from Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) for the Marang and Rhu Rendang seats.
"The decision ends all speculation that Pakatan coalition members are at odds over who would represent the party in the 14th general election (GE14) in the two constituencies," said state PKR chief Azan Ismail, who is also Bandar assemblyman.
PAN is currently represented by its state chairman Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad, who is the Kuala Terengganu Member of Parliament.
Pakatan also decided at Friday’s meeting that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) would contest for the Setiu and Hulu Terengganu Parliamentary seats.
State PPBM chairman Datuk Razali Idris said recently that the party aims to contest four Parliamentary seats and at least 10 state seats.
“Discussions and negotiations for seats among components will continue, and we are confident that all will be satisfied with the allocations," he said.
Pakatan has yet to decide on four Parliamentary seats in the state, namely Besut, Kuala Nerus, Dungun and Kemaman.
Terengganu has eight Parliamentary seats – four held by BN and four by Pas; and 32 state constituencies, of which 17 are held by BN, 14 by Pas and one by PKR.