Baddrol, who until recently played for Sabah FC, said he left the club to become a politician and “to defend Islam and the Malays”, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“I also want to defend an individual who is currently being attacked by others and is calmly holding his ground – Sanusi.

“That is why I am committed to fighting for Sanusi and defending Kedah under his leadership,” Baddrol was quoted as saying at an event at Padang Terap, Kedah, last night.

The programme was also attended by Pedu assemblyman Radzi Amin and former Kedah football star Radhi Mat Din, who was PAS’ candidate for the Pokok Sena parliamentary seat in GE14.

It is widely speculated that Radhi and Baddrol will represent PAS in the coming state election.

Asked if he will be nominated, Baddrol said he would leave it to fate.

“If we are sincere and honest in our struggle, anything is possible,” he said.

“I call on the villagers here to choose leaders who possess leadership qualities and listen to the people’s grievances.”

On Tuesday, Sanusi, who is also the PAS election director, was charged with two counts of sedition against royalty in relation to a speech he gave at a ceramah in Gombak on July 11.