Perak MB: Mohd Kazim not contesting

SITIAWAN: The Perak Mentri Besar has dispelled talk that Datuk Mohd Kazim Elias is contesting in the general election, following an Instagram posting from the ustaz that he is seeking advice on the matter.

“It’s not true, pity Mohd Kazim,” said Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, referring to the popular Islamic preacher.

“I’ve received messages from all his three brothers, including Mohd Najmuddin and Ahmad Hasbullah, that there’s no truth in the matter,” he told reporters after presenting land title offer letters to about 330 people at Arena Kampung Sungai Tiram near here yesterday.

Dr Zambry said reports about Mohd Kazim wanting to contest in the polls had been exaggerated.

“Mohd Kazim himself was unsure who created the news. He didn’t mean it seriously,” he added.

One news report, quoting a source, stated that Mohd Kazim would contest in the Lumut parliamentary seat and Selama state seat. (Dr Zambry is contesting Lumut.)

His brothers – Mohd Najmuddin and Ahmad Hasbullah – who are the Larut Umno division deputy chief and Kubu Gajah state assemblyman respectively, will supposedly become independent candidates.

Several days ago, Mohd Kazim posted on Instagram a picture of himself at an airport, saying that he wanted to “fly” out to seek Ultraman’s advice on whether to stand in the elections.

However, Dr Zambry brushed this off, saying it was just like Mohd Kazim to joke.

“It just got misinterpreted. Mohd Kazim is a preacher who loves his role. He prefers not to be involved in politics,” he said.