I’m not eyeing PAS presidency, says Tuan Ibrahim

FMT:

 

I’m not eyeing PAS

presidency, says Tuan

Ibrahim

Amin Ishak and Faiz Zainudin

-20 Feb 2025, 10:51 AM

The PAS deputy president insists that Abdul Hadi Awang should remain at the helm.

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PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said Abdul Hadi Awang is still ‘mentally sharp’ and able to manage the party.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man says he will not run for president when polls are held later this year, insisting that Abdul Hadi Awang will remain at the helm of the Islamic party.

Speaking to FMT, the Kubang Kerian MP dismissed claims that he was eyeing the presidency, saying he had never lobbied for nomination to any post in the party.

“We don’t see a need for it (the president’s post to be contested),” he said when asked if he would rebuff any attempt to nominate him for the top spot.

A source previously told FMT that PAS was likely to hold a contest for the party’s top two posts for the first time in a decade at its upcoming elections.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a contest for the presidency and deputy presidency would be allowed if Hadi, who has been the PAS president since 2002, decided not to defend his post.

The source said that some in the party were urging the Marang MP to step down due to his health.

Tuan Ibrahim said there was no need to replace Hadi, who steered the party to its best electoral performance in the 15th general election, winning 43 parliamentary seats.

“Detractors are attacking him because of his achievements, not his weaknesses. If he was weak, PAS wouldn’t be where it is now.”

He added that such achievements should be appreciated instead of viewed as a threat.

“(Hadi’s achievements) should be viewed as an opportunity (to strengthen the party). Personally, for me, Hadi should remain as president.”

Tuan Ibrahim also dismissed calls for Hadi to step down due to health issues, saying the former Terengganu menteri besar was still “mentally sharp” and could manage the party if he had the backing of its leaders and members.

“It’s not like we are going to take part in a skirmish that would require (physical) strength,” he said.

He drew comparisons with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying the two-time prime minister was nearly 100 years old but his ideas were still relevant.

He said having good ideas and being able to strategise was important in politics.

Tuan Ibrahim also said he had yet to decide whether to defend his position as deputy president as he wanted to see who else was running for other leadership posts.