Sanusi said though academic qualifications are important, many political leaders have performed well despite not having a PhD or even a basic degree, Berita Harian reported.

The Kedah menteri besar said Abidin was selected for his “successful work” in Sungai Bakap for PAS and as the former aide to Nor Zamri Latiff, whose death on May 24 caused the state seat to fall vacant.

“This is why we think Abidin is suitable for the area. The other candidate has academic strength. Let him show it,” he was quoted as saying.

Abidin has received criticism for not displaying his academic qualifications on his election posters, compared with Pakatan Harapan’s Joohari Ariffin, who is a former lecturer and obtained a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2014, majoring in management and education leadership.

The Sungai Bakap by-election on July 6 will see a straight fight between Joohari, 60, a former lecturer at Institut Aminuddin Baki in Kedah, and Abidin, 56, a logistics executive.

There are 39,279 registered voters in Sungai Bakap, consisting of 39,222 regular voters and 57 police officers.