KELANTAN Amanah has big plans for Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz, the eldest son of the late PAS icon Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, despite losing the Chempaka state seat in GE14.

The 52-year-old quickly became one of Pakatan Harapan’s top ceramah speakers in the recent elections, attracting support from Malay Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

Political pundits said Nik Omar would give PH a boost in terms of Malay votes because of his religious pedigree, while non-Muslims were drawn to his mature and inclusive message in his campaign speeches.

All this was against a background of a public family feud after Nik Omar decided to contest under PH, leaving PAS members, supporters and his own mother feeling betrayed. It culminated in the family barring him from leading prayers at Masjid Tok Guru, the mosque named after his father in Kg Pulau Melaka, Kelantan.

But Kelantan Amanah has claimed Nik Omar as a future leader and candidate for a federal government position.

“We will ensure Nik Omar gets a good position in the federal government to recognise his contributions in helping PH win (the general election),” said Amanah secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir.

Kelantan Amanah chairman Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah said Nik Omar is seen as a future leader in the party.

“In the Amanah central meeting (on Friday,) I nominated him to be appointed as a senator from Kelantan, besides Husam Musa. 

“If it is accepted, I will also suggest his appointment as deputy minister at the federal level,” Wan Rahim said.  

He is also eyeing Nik Omar to take over his post as chairman of the party in the state. 

“I hope this will happen by this year or next year,” said Wan Rahim, who was Nik Aziz’s first political secretary.

Looking ahead to five years from now, he added that Nik Omar could potentially be Amanah’s candidate for Kelantan menteri besar in the 15th general election, if the party captures the PAS-controlled state. – May 20, 2018.