SEMENYIH: PSM will field 25-year-old Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul as its candidate for the Semenyih by-election.

The local activist is also an entrepreneur who currently runs a reflexology centre in Semenyih Sentral.

PSM central committee member S. Arutchelvan, when introducing Nik Aziz Afiq to the media, said the candidate had long been involved in activism, despite his young age.

“Many think socialists are old people, but if you look closely, there are many youths who are into socialism such as Nik Aziz Afiq, because they are upset with the current system.

“We feel that we are fielding a really suitable candidate, one who is young and a fresh face,” said Arutchelvan.

Arutchelvan, however, disagreed that Nik Aziz Afiq was chosen to contest in Malay-majority Semenyih because of his ethnicity.

“Race has never been a criteria in our selection. Our criteria is that the candidate must have been involved in activism in the local area for at least two years. They must also declare their assets and must not be involved in racial politics.

“Nik Aziz Afiq was endorsed by the Semenyih PSM branch and later approved by the central committee,” said Arutchelvan.

Despite the tough challenge faced by PSM in the by-election, Nik Aziz Afiq said it was still important for the party to contest to show that the incumbent must not have absolute power.

“Historian Lord Acton once said ‘power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely’, and this is what we fear has occurred now that Pakatan Harapan has close to 90% of seats in Selangor.

“There needs to be a check and balance and we want to offer that,” said Nik Aziz Afiq.

Named after former PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, Nik Aziz Afiq said he views the late leader as an inspiration.

So far, besides PSM, philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng has offered to contest in the by-election.

Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional are expected to announce their candidate on Thursday (Feb 14).

Nomination for the by-election will be on Feb 16, with polling set for March 2.