KOTA BARU: Pas will lose one of its longest-serving assemblymen in the upcoming state election.
This after the former Kota Lama assemblyman Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah decided not to seek re-election.
Anuar, the only Chinese assemblyman in the state assembly, having won the seat in consecutive elections since 1999, has decided to retire from politics.
Speaking to the New Straits Times, the former state industry, trade and community unity committee chairman cited his health as the reason for ending his journey in the political arena.
"My health has prohibited me from being active in politics and because of this, l decided not to contest in the upcoming state election.
"I have already informed Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob of my decision and he has accepted it," he said.
The grandfather of 15 said he told Ahmad that it was better for Pas to field a fresh and young candidate to replace him.
Asked about his future plans, Anuar said he would focus on his family business to fill his time.
The Kota Lama seat has been a Pas stronghold for years.
The constituency is among three state seats under the Kota Baru parliamentary constituency, the others being Tanjong Mas and Bunut Payong.
In the last election, Pas won 37 of the 45 seats in Kelantan, with Barisan Nasional taking seven and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia winning one.
It is believed that Kelantan Pas has submitted more than 100 names to its central leadership for consideration as candidates in the upcoming state election.
The state legislative assembly was dissolved on June 22 to pave the way for the state election.