Top 2 posts in PAS likely to
be contested, says source
A contest for the presidency and deputy presidency would be held if Abdul Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man decide to make way.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a contest for the presidency and the deputy presidency would be held if Abdul Hadi Awang, who has been the party’s president since 2002, decides not to defend the post.
The source said that some in the party are urging the Marang MP to step down due to his ailing health.
Hadi had been admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for treatment several times in recent years, though the nature of his illness was not disclosed.
According to the source, there has been talk that PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man would also be stepping aside, although the pro-ulama faction are pushing for him to remain the party’s number two, a post he won in 2015.
“Similarly, there are requests for Hadi to remain as president, as the party still needs his influence.
“But if Hadi and Tuan Ibrahim were to make way, we will see a contest between the ulama and professional faction for the top two posts.
“And while we have seen such contests in the past, it won’t be that aggressive (like in previous years),” the source told FMT.
The source was referring to the PAS elections in 2015, following which a faction led by Mohamad Sabu left the Islamic party to form Amanah.
Since then, PAS has not held a contest for the top two posts.
The vice-presidency was also not contested in the last party polls two years ago.
At the last party polls for the 2023-2025 term, the vice-presidency was won uncontested by Idris Ahmad, Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Amar Abdullah.
The source said if Hadi decides not to defend his post, then it is likely that Samsuri and Amar will vie for the presidency, thus setting up a battle between the professional and ulama faction.
“Samsuri would likely join forces with Takiyuddin Hassan,” the source said, referring to the PAS secretary-general.
“Amar will ally himself with Idris. It will be a close contest.”
Hisommudin Bakar, the executive director of Ilham Centre, a think tank, felt that those who would stand a chance of winning top leadership posts in the party were those who were part of the PAS-led state governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.
Similarly, Hisommudin felt that while the contest for the top two would be intense, it would not lead to the creation of another splinter party.
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