KUAH, April 27 — The polls has yet to begun, but Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Kuah state seat, Mohd Firdaus Ahmad, has already been slammed by a member of his own party ― Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).

Mohd Ratu Mansor, a fellow Langkawi PPBM committee member, had in a press conference on Wednesday accused Mohd Firdaus of having a "negative personality” and lacks commitment to the party.

Mohd Ratu had claimed that he was meant to be the candidate for that seat, as approved by party leaders in his division ― not Mohd Firdaus.

But Mohd Firdaus denied the allegation, explaining to Malay Mail’s sister publication ProjekMMO that each division was required to send in three or four candidates to be evaluated by party leaders.   

"So, this means I was selected in a PPBM committee meeting. And I was not selected through the back door,” the Langkawi PH Youth chief said. 

He said the allegations brought forward against him were done by "someone disappointed for not being picked as a candidate”.

Mohd Firdaus also denied claims he always arrived late to programs organised by the party.

"I have too many programs to attend, even if I am late, it was not for three or four hours. If I am late, I always send a representative,” he said.

"Mohd Ratu had the press conference with the intentions to embarrass me, I will lodge a report to PPBM about this,” he said.

Similarly, he downplayed accusation of his "negative personality”.

"If I had known I would be chosen as a representative, I would have taken care of my image. When I was younger, I was a bit naughty. Every human has his own weakness,” he said.

Mohd Firdaus also challenged Mohd Ratu to bring forwards claims that at least 6,000 PPBM supporters reject his candidacy.

Kuah was won by BN’s Nor Saidi Nanyan with a 6,254-vote majority in 2013. Nor Saidi and Mohd Firdaus will also face PAS candidate Mazlan Ahmad.