PAS today picked Meru assemblyperson Abdul Rani Osman (photo above, centre) as the Islamic party's candidate for the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat in the upcoming June 18 by-election.

This was announced by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang in front of about 500 supporters at the party's command centre at Simpang Lima in Sungai Besar, Selangor, just tonight.

Also present were PAS vice-president Iskandar Samad who is also the party's state commissioner, party Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, Parti Ikatan Rakyat president Shiekh Kadir Fadzir and Sabak assemblyperson Sallehen Mukhyi.

"This is a by-election and we need a leader who can take the plunge

with the rakyat.

"The candidate is Abdul Rani Osman. I understand he has Banjar and Jawa blood. All are sons of Adam," said Hadi to cries of the takbir.

Abdul Rani was the former Selangor PAS commissioner and has been Meru assemblyperson since 2008. Prior to his sojourn into politics, Rani operated the Fitrah private clinic in Meru town, which was well known among the locals.

According to the latest Election Commission (EC) statistics, Sungai Besar is a constituency with 67.18 percent Malay voters, 31 percent (Chinese), 1.91 percent (Indian) and 0.23 percent (other races).

Prior to this, Sungai Besar PAS Youth chief Mohd Razali Saari was one of those touted as a possible candidate.

The Sungai Besar seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent, Noriah Kasnon, in a May 5 helicopter crash in Sarawak.

During his acceptance speech, Abdul Rani impressed the audience with his command of both colloquial and high Javanese.

In an apparent snipe at Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, who was touted by some to be the PAS splinter's choice candidate in the Sungai Besar by-election, Abdul Rani said that he is a patient man and promised not to throw microphones when speaking.

Mohamad became well-known for his antics of throwing his microphone away while giving a speech.

During the 13th general election, Noriah won Sungai Besar defeating PAS' Mohamad Salleh Husin with a majority of 399 votes.

The EC has set June 18 as the polling date for Sungai Besar while nomination is scheduled for June 5.

Hadi, who is also Marang MP, has said that PAS stood by its decision to field candidates in seats in which it has traditionally contested.

Pakatan Harapan has yet to name its candidate.