TUMPAT: Pas leadership will submit the name of three potential candidates for the Kelantan Menteri Besar post to the president after the state election results are announced tonight.
Caretaker Kelantan Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Yakob, said that the selection of the candidate would be decided by Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, before being presented to the Sultan of Kelantan.
"After we have the list of candidates, usually we will submit the names, and the president will make the decision before presenting it to His Royal Highness.
"All of this will happen after the results are announced tonight, depending on how many seats we secure, and which state assembly seats (DUN candidates) we need to take. It's typically three candidates or more.
"Sometimes, it depends on the qualifications of the candidates because becoming a leader is not easy; there are responsibilities, and the candidate must stand up to pressure," he told reporters after casting his vote at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kampung Laut here today.
Ahmad, who was appointed as the Kelantan Menteri Besar on May 6, 2013, said that the post had been his responsibility for two terms but now should be relinquished due to age and health factors that did not permit his further service.
He added that the matter had been discussed with Abdul Hadi and a few close associates. He also announced that this state election marks his final term as a candidate representing the people.
"I have been experiencing signs of aging and have fallen twice; a slight 'slip disc' and heart problems.
"That's why I made it known that I do not want to continue as the Menteri Besar if possible, due to age and health factors. This has been known to the president and my close friends for a while," he said after casting his vote at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kampung Laut here.
Ahmad, who is also the Pas candidate for the Pasir Pekan state constituency, expressed confidence that the party will remain in power in Kelantan.
However, he could not predict the number of seats that would be retained, including in terms of the majority.
"God willing, we will defend our seats, but as for the exact number of seats and the majority, only God knows. But I am confident that we will win," he added.