Raja Bomoh to contest Ahmad Zahid in Bagan Datuk
IPOH: Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will face an unlikely opponent, a bomoh, in his Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency.
Ibrahim Mat Zin, 68, better known as Raja Bomoh for his antics, confirmed his candidacy as an independent at a press conference yesterday.
He made his entrance at the conference with a walking stick escorted by bodyguards.
Ibrahim, who is Seni Silat Gayung Ghaib Malaysia president, also announced that his 55-year-old deputy, Leman Kanaullah, would contest the Pangkor state seat which is held by caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.
Another 27 members of the association, who are businessmen and corporate figures, will also contest as independents in 14 parliament and 13 state seats, he said.
“I was asked by the rakyat in Bagan Datuk, Simpang Empat and Hutan Melintang to contest 10 years ago. I was forced to reject it and instead observed how the leaders took care of the people.
“The economy took a beating and the people suffered. I am from Bagan Datuk and I do not want to disappoint my supporters and friends.”
When asked whether the announcement was a gimmick and if he would pull out at the last minute, he said: “We will not to do that. We have been preparing for the last year.”
On how he would fare against Ahmad Zahid, Ibrahim said: “To me, all parties including those in BN and the Opposition are good, but when the candidates win they forget the rakyat.
“We as independents do not attack political parties. But people are suffering due to rising costs. As representatives of the rakyat we must be able to solve issues.
“If I win I will donate my monthly salary to various communities, including RM120 to poor schoolchildren, RM800 for single mothers, RM1,500 for the disabled, and RM4,000 for youngsters monthly.
“I do not need the money as I am a corporate man.”
The self-declared shaman was in the limelight during the 2014 disappearance of MH370 when he conducted a ritual using two coconuts to locate the plane.