Annuar Musa open to running in state polls

BACHOK - Muafakat Nasional (MN) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa has indicated his readiness to consider running as a candidate in the upcoming state elections on Aug 12 if offered the opportunity by Pas.

However, Annuar expressed that he is more comfortable stepping aside and allowing long-standing Pas members to be appointed as candidates.

"I am still a new member. As a freshman, I have to give way to senior ones first.

"Not being a candidate is okay, it's not a problem. I leave it to the party leaders to decide," he said during a press conference on Wednesday night.

Prior to that, Annuar delivered a campaign speech at "Pakat Pertahan Kelantan: Pas Pilihanku" programme.

Annuar explained that Pas's candidate selection process differs from that of his former party, Umno.

After screening by the Syura Ulama Council, candidate names will be sent back to the state liaison body and grassroots for further consideration before the final declaration.

Earlier reports suggested that the Pas Ulama Syura Council would screen potential candidates for the state election on Friday, amid rumors that Annuar, the former Ketereh Member of Parliament who recently joined Pas, might be listed as a candidate in Kelantan.

All decisions regarding candidates are entrusted to the state's liaison body, and the Syura Ulama Council's screening is scheduled for this Friday.

Meanwhile, Pas has expressed openness to consider the possibility of former Selangor Umno liaison body chairman, Tan Sri Noh Omar, joining Pas and contesting in the state polls.

Pas Mursyidul Am, Datuk Hashim Jasin, mentioned that Annuar's name is among those that may be included in the list of candidates to be submitted for screening by the Syura Council.