Amanah yet to decide on Miqdad’s replacement

KUALA TERENGGANU: Parti Amanah Negara has not decided on a replacement for Miqdad Zakaria, a nephew of Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, to contest against the PAS president in Marang, says state Amanah communications director Hasbie Muda.

He said the party has a few names in mind but has yet to pick the right person to face Abdul Hadi.

“We will decide on a new candi- date within the next couple of days,” he said yesterday.

Miqdad, who is related to Abdul Hadi’s wife, posted his intention to withdraw his candidacy on his Facebook page yesterday, saying that it was to defuse tensions within Amanah.

“In order to ease the tension between us, I have willingly decided to withdraw my candidacy in the 14th General Election.

“I appreciate all your hard work and sacrifice, but it is best that I cancel my agenda to stand in the polls,” Miqdad said in the post directed to the Marang Amanah division members.

He claimed it was never his intention to contest but said he was persuaded to do so by Amanah leaders.

The Marang Amanah division chief also advised members to focus on the main agenda, which is to defeat Barisan Nasional and PAS.

In GE13, Abdul Hadi, also known as Ayah Chik among his followers, won the Marang seat with a majority of 5,124 votes against Umno’s Yahya Khatib Mohamad.

In order to ease the tension between us, I have willingly decided to withdraw my candidacy in the 14th General Election. Miqdad Zakaria