PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has backed party president Abdul Hadi Awang to contest against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in the parliamentary constituency of Pekan in the next general election.

“He is the party president, whatever he says, we will support for the benefit of the party and Islam’s struggle.

“I strongly support him if Abdul Hadi truly wants to contest in Pekan in the next general election against those who glorify race over religion,” he was quoted as saying in a Sinar Harian report today.

Najib who is also Umno president won a landslide victory in Pekan during the last general election, garnering a massive 36,262 votes against PKR’s candidate who only managed to obtain 9,798 votes.

Nik Aziz’s comments come after Abdul Hadi said he was prepared to contest in any constituency including Pekan if the party so wishes.

The party veteran also praised Abdul Hadi who is currently Marang MP for his courage.

“Now, winning or losing is another matter, what is important is that we support him after he has shown courage to contest in a seat held by the prime minister,” he said.

The Pekan seat has been held by Najib since 1976, when he was 22 years of age. The seat was previously held by his father, Abdul Razak, the second prime minister of Malaysia.