THE era when PAS was led by widely respected religious scholars is over, and the sons of three revered leaders are now contesting for PAS splinter party Amanah in the 14th general election.

Nik Mohamad Omar Nik Abdul Aziz is the son of the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who was PAS’ spiritual leader.

Nik Omar surprised many today when he turned up to file nomination papers for his candidacy in the Chempaka state seat, which was previously held by his father, Nik Aziz.

Faiz Fadzil is the son of the late Fadzil Noor, a former PAS president.

Faiz is PH’s candidate in the PAS stronghold of Permatang Pasir, a state seat in Penang.

Nik Aziz and Fadzil were PAS leaders at a time when the Islamist party worked at forging ties with other opposition allies to defeat the ruling Barisan Nasional.

Their first alliance was called Barisan Alternatif in the 1999 election.

PAS later became part of the now-defunct opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat, which crumbled over ideological and political differences.

PAS did not join the new pact, Pakatan Harapan, leading to a schism that saw the birth of Amanah.

The third PAS offspring to run under PH is Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, the son of another former party president, the late Yusuf Rawa.

Mujahid will defend his Parit Buntar seat in Perak for a third term.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said the candidacy of the three “sons of PAS” under PH would boost the opposition pact’s chances of winning the Malay-Muslim vote in this election

“Three sons of highly respected PAS leaders are now contesting as Amanah candidates. As such, there is no reason for Malays to be afraid of supporting PH, because even the children of famous PAS religious leaders are now with Amanah,” Mohamad said.

Mohamad is contesting in the Kota Raja parliamentary seat against candidates from PAS and BN. – April 28, 2018.