The Malaysian Insider

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA KRAI, July 11 – Fresh from his abdominal surgery last Thursday, PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa made his appearance in Manek Urai today, declaring that the state party leadership had reversed its earlier decision to bar him from coming to the constituency.

The third term deputy president was recently at the centre of the unity talks controversy after the party spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat asked him to leave the party for being seen to be favouring unity talks with Umno.

Nik Aziz subsequently retracted his statement but the Bachok MP was banned from campaigning by Kelantan PAS.

“There was such decision by the state leadership, I accepted the decision, but after looking at the situation on the ground, as mentioned by Tok Guru (Nik Aziz) and the president, there was a lot of confusion, so I was asked to come to Manek Urai,” Nasharudin told reporters at a campaign stop here.

“I did not attend the nomination because of my health problem, but now I am here,” he added.

Nasharudin also denied that he was avoiding the media and promised to call a press conference in Kuala Lumpur after the by-election to address all the issues involving him.

“I did not respond because as you know the Malaysian media is not free to report as it is,” said Nasharudin.

On PAS's chances of winning the rural state seat, Nasharudin said he was confident voters would make their decision based on local issues.

“With two more days, the local issues have been addressed by Tok Guru and his executive councillors,” said Nasharudin.

He is scheduled to chair a meeting with the members of the state campaign machinery today in Manek Urai before leaving for Kuala Lumpur later.

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