PAKATAN Harapan candidate for Chempaka Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz may be far from home at a ceramah in Shah Alam, Selangor, tonight, but the 54-year-old was well in his element, impressing voters with his “soft-spoken and wise” ways.

Most of those present were pleasantly surprised by the likeness Nik Omar, who left Islamist party PAS for Amanah, bears to his late father, former Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

“He has an aura like Nik Aziz, unlike the others. It is not that we are trying to belittle the others, but he is just different from the rest,” said Kamarulzaman Shaari.

“He is very low-profile and modest, and that is what’s important… compared with other PAS leaders, who want to live lavishly.

“He has characteristics like Nik Aziz,” said the 50-year-old, who is a registered voter in the Pasir Mas constituency in Kelantan.

Another voter, who wanted to be known only as Wan, agreed that Nik Omar has his late father’s aura.

“He has a bigger aura. Listening to Nik Omar’s speech reminded me of Nik Aziz.”

Maimunah Yusof said she is pleased to see that Nik Omar possesses all of Nik Aziz’s leadership qualities.

“I feel at ease listening to Nik Omar. It soothes my heart,” said the 59-year-old, who left PAS for splinter party Amanah.

“This is my first time seeing him face to face, and I’m glad he is what people say about him. Such a soft-spoken candidate.”

Religious teacher Maznah Daud, 65 from Pasir Mas, heaped praise on the Amanah newcomer.

“A leader does not need to look fearful, loud or fierce… A leader who is soft-spoken and wise will make you follow, because he has your heart.”

Maznah previously voted for PAS, but in the 14th general election, she will vote for PH.

“I have nothing bad to say about PAS. I genuinely believe they are fighting for Islam. I just feel that PH is the best for now.”

Nik Omar’s brother, Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz, is PAS’ candidate for the Bachok parliamentary seat.

Both PAS – which has ruled Kelantan since 1995 – and Amanah have been actively courting Kelantan voters living outside the state, particularly in the Klang Valley.

Political researcher Dr Mazlan Ali said the PAS government in Kelantan had a good showing in the 2008 and 2013 general elections thanks to voters living outside the state returning to cast their votes.

He said his research has also shown that votes from “outside” had saved Kelantan’s PAS government in 2004. – May 3, 2018.