According to a party source, Wan Saiful was initially touted to stand in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, where he had been active on the ground.

However, the party has apparently had a change of heart because Kubang Pasu’s Bersatu division is considered weak and unable to build up enough grassroots support before GE15.

The insider said Bersatu wants to field a “heavyweight” candidate to defend its Tasek Gelugor seat. Its former MP, Shabudin Yahaya, who won the seat on an Umno ticket before defecting to Bersatu, has decided to sit out of the polls.

“Wan Saiful is expected to take over with the full support from the Tasek Gelugor Bersatu division,” the source told FMT.

Although PAS is also vying for the Tasek Gelugor seat, the source said the Islamic party appears to accept Wan Saiful because of his background.

Wan Saiful is a former PAS member, and the source believes he can strengthen ties between Bersatu and PAS in Tasek Gelugor.

“Wan Saiful has already been spotted moving around Tasek Gelugor. He attended Tasek Gelugor Bersatu’s election machinery course on Oct 22.

“Placing him in Tasek Gelugor will demonstrate Bersatu’s confidence in his abilities, just like how other parties are also moving some of their people to strategic locations to strengthen their party,” the source said.