PENANG Pas secretary Iszuree Ibrahim is among the names tipped to represent Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6.
Sources told the New Straits Times that Iszuree, who is Bayan Baru Pas chief, was among the front-runners due to his charisma and "It" factor.
However, observers believe if he was selected, it could throw a spanner in the works for PN's bid to retain the seat, given Iszuree's clash with Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau in last year's Penang state election.
Pas grassroots members had then protested against Lau's being a "parachute candidate" in Bayan Lepas for PN, saying a Pas member should contest the Malay-majority seat instead.
Iszuree, they claimed, had been earmarked as PN's candidate for Bayan Lepas before it went to Lau.
Things came to a head during campaigning on Aug 1 when a video emerged showing Lau allegedly being asked to leave a Pas mega ceramah in Sungai Dua, featuring Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
The video shows Iszuree preventing Lau from following Pas vice-president Datuk Seri Idris Ahmad to the stage.
When someone protested, Iszuree could be heard telling Lau: "Tak boleh (No, you can't). You go away."
This later led to Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan issuing an apology to Lau, saying the latter should have been welcomed and treated as a guest.
Iszuree also sought to clear the air, saying that Lau was not invited to the event "for his own safety" as it was held in a predominantly Malay area and that many were unhappy with the Gerakan chief's candidacy in Bayan Lepas.
He had downplayed his actions in the video, saying it looked bad due to a "poor camera angle".
Iszuree had claimed that while his actions came across as harsh, he had only raised his voice.
Political analysts believe that while Lau and Iszuree may have since made amends publicly, questions remain about what the sentiments are like behind the scenes.
International Islamic University Malaysia's Associate Professor in Political Science Dr Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri said it could signal a rocky start to PN's hopes of retaining the seat.
She said it was unlikely that Gerakan would endorse Iszuree given their history and Iszuree's admonishment of Lau, who is PN deputy chairman.
She said while PN may put up a united front, it could see Gerakan taking a back seat during campaigning.
"Gerakan would most likely refrain from actively campaigning, like what MCA did in the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election, but not overtly.
"There might be difficulties in obtaining help from Gerakan, but they will still issue statements in support of Pas."
Another analyst, who declined to be named, said if Gerakan decided not to actively campaign, it could end up badly for Pas.
"According to the electoral roll, Malays make up 60 per cent of the voters, 22 per cent Chinese and 16 per cent Indians.
"If Pas is deprived of non-Malay support, it would need almost 100 per cent of its voters to vote in its favour to have a hope of winning," he said.
However, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's political analyst, Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali, said despite disagreements between Pas and Gerakan in Pe-nang, it wouldn't affect Iszuree's possible nomination.
"The issue between Lau and Iszuree was personal and may have caused dissatisfaction.
"But if Iszuree is chosen as the candidate, I believe Gerakan will agree."
Pas Ulama Council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya declined to confirm if Iszuree was among it shortlist of candidates.
"We have several names shortlisted, and this list will undergo a final screening by the Ulama Council and Pas Central.
"No decision has been made yet."
"I can't name the candidates, but what's certain is that the candidate can win."