Husam plots Kelantan comeback

KUALA LUMPUR: Former PAS leader Husam Musa hinted last night that he may work out a strategy to “take over” his home state of Kelantan from PAS.

At the same time, however, he did not rule out appealing against his sacking by the PAS leadership.

He said he would announce his next move in three or four months after looking at all his options and resources, including the political vehicle that would be most suitable for his Kelantan comeback.

At a “Dialogue with Husam” attended by more than 200 people, the former PAS vice-president said he was waiting for his “edah”, or calm period, after his sacking is over before announcing his next move.

“To say that I am alone is not true. I have ADUNs (state assemblymen) who are with me. However, I can’t reveal who they are.

“I have identified 25 state seats held by PAS and Umno where there is a chance to win,” he told the audience multiple times during the three-hour dialogue.

There are 45 state constituencies in Kelantan, with 31 belonging to PAS, 12 to BN and one to PKR after the 2013 General Election.

Husam was sacked on May 6 after the PAS disciplinary board found him guilty of criticising party President Abdul Hadi Awang and the Kelantan Government.

Some of those present urged him to join PAS splinter party Amanah, or even PKR, in order to lead a Pakatan Harapan coalition in the state.

“I’m sorry if I am late (in making a decision). I want to know more, and better prepare myself. I will spend two months observing the volunteers and political vehicle that I could choose. I have no financial source, so how to make a move?

“If I want to stand, then where shall I stand? If I become an independent, will I have a chance? I need to win 25 seats in Kelantan to change the state government, not just one seat,” he said to applause from the crowd.

The Salor Assemblyman, however, did not rule out returning to PAS as he had about 20 more days to lodge an appeal against his sacking.

Husam said he would write a letter to Hadi protesting that his sacking was unlawful.

He said he had not expected to be sacked by the disciplinary board as he was not given a chance to defend himself at a hearing, and wanted Hadi to know his grouses.

“The letter (to Hadi) is ready, but I want to add a few more lines to complete it. I will not send it now as the “edah” period is still in effect. I have no mood, when I have it (mood), I will send it,” said Husam.