K KANGSAR POLLS Kuala Kangsar by-election candidate Ahmad Termizi Ramli said today he left PAS for Amanah so he would be able to "answer to Allah".

The 61-year-old said that while he wanted nothing more than to enjoy his retirement and take care of his grandchildren, he had not been able to do this as long as he remained in PAS.

This was because he could not fulfil his duty to Islam and the country as a PAS member, he said.

“I think that PAS no longer plays its role in being responsible for the religion and the country.

“So what choice do I have? What should I answer to Allah, later?” said Termizi in his first press conference with the Malay and English media in Kuala Kangsar today.

PAS, he added, seemed to be ‘resting’ instead of performing its duties.

“They look as though they want to take a rest. Never mind, let them rest first,” he said.

However, he denied that the Kuala Kangsar by-election was the best avenue for PAS to "rest", saying that it all depended on Allah.

“We just do our best. Whether PAS rests or not, we leave it to Allah,” he said.

Earlier in the press conference, the nuclear physicist admitted he was previously a PAS member.

“I was not an activist, just a normal member.

“There’s no love lost. But the country’s interests override my personal interests,” he said.

However, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said on Monday that Termizi was fielded as the party candidate instead of him because various NGOs did not want a former PAS member to go up against PAS.

Commenting on this, Termizi reiterated that he had never been an activist with the Islamist party.

“I wasn't associated with PAS, I didn't hold any posts, I was just a normal party member.

“I joined during the Reformasi era. When exactly, even I have forgotten,” he said.

Termizi is facing BN’s Mastura Mohd Yazid, PAS’ Dr Najihatussalehah Ahmad and Independent candidate Izat Bukhary Ismail Bukhary in the four-way tussle for the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat.

The seat fell vacant after the death of its incumbent Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad in a helicopter crash during campaigning for the Sarawak state polls last month.