Nik Abduh exclusion controversy: Pas VP refutes involvement

KOTA BHARU - Pas Vice President, Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah, firmly denied any involvement in the exclusion of former Kelantan menteri besar Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's son, Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, as a candidate in the state poll.

He dismissed the accusation as slander, asserting that those making the claims were not part of the candidate selection meeting and held no position within Pas.

"Ustaz Nik Abduh has made it clear that he does not wish to compete...there is no issue. Why are others meddling in this matter?

"There are two statements. He (Nik Abduh) expressed his desire not to contest as he wants to focus on his father's school...why are they making such false allegations? It's baseless. They're slandering me by mentioning my name.

"How can they blame me? They weren't involved in the meeting. Where did they get their information from? They hold no position in the party," Amar said.

His response comes after Nik Aziz's younger brother, Nik Din Nik Mat, urged the public not to vote for Amar in the upcoming state election on Aug 12.

In a video, Din accused Amar of being the mastermind behind Abduh's absence as a candidate in the Cempaka state assembly.

Din also claimed to have met with Pas President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who allegedly assured him that his nephew would be nominated for the upcoming poll.

Setting the record straight, Amar referred to Abduh's previous statement, informed by Pas Deputy President, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, where the late Nik Aziz's son declined the nomination, stating his commitment to focus on Darul Anwar Arabic School.

Amar, who is also Pengkalan Chepa Pas chief, further clarified that Abduh's name was initially missing from the candidate list. - AWANI