NIK Omar Nik Abdul Aziz, the eldest son of the late Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat is being fielded in his late father’s Chempaka state seat, as an Amanah candidate.

The decision came as a surprise, as he had earlier said he would respect his mother, Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak’s wish for him not to join Amanah, as it could break up the family.

Amanah announcing its candidates on Wednesday named a “Mohamad Omar” but the candidate was not present.

“We kept it under wraps as long as we could,” said a Kelantan committee member today.

PAS leaders, including his younger brother Nik Mohamad Abduh, often attack Amanah, a splinter party formed in 2015.

Amanah is led by former PAS leaders from the more progressive faction, such as Mohamad Sabu, Husam Musa and Salahuddin Ayub, who are widely seen as protégés of the former Kelantan menteri besar and spiritual leader Nik Aziz.

So instead of causing friction in the family, Nik Omar earlier said he would concentrate on running Madrasah Darul Anuar in Pulau Melaka. The school, set up by Nik Aziz, is beside their family home in Kota Baru. – April 28, 2018.