The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy by keeping its top post open for contest, despite Abdul Hadi Awang’s confirmation that he will defend his position as party president in the upcoming 71st PAS Muktamar.
Hashim Jasin, the PAS Spiritual Leader, acknowledged that while the party permits open competition for leadership roles, he believes no one will come forward to challenge Hadi.
“Our policy is clear — the positions of president and deputy president are open to contest if there are nominations. The president has expressed his intention to run again, and if anyone wishes to challenge him, they are permitted to do so,” Hashim stated.
He further emphasized, “We do not restrict the contestation of the president or deputy president posts. But the question is, who would be willing to run against Ustaz Hadi? If there is someone ready to be nominated and to contest, it is allowed. However, I am confident no one will step forward.”
Previously, Abdul Hadi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Marang, confirmed his intention to seek re-election as PAS President during the 71st Muktamar, scheduled to be held in Kedah this September. Hadi has consistently stated he has no intention of relinquishing the presidency, a role he has held for over 20 years.
Historically, Hadi faced his first and only challenge for the party’s top position at the 61st PAS Muktamar in 2015, when Ahmad Awang contested the presidency. Hadi secured 928 votes, while Ahmad received 233 votes.
Hadi’s Health and Leadership Acumen
Commenting on Hadi’s health, Hashim noted that while the PAS president has some physical limitations, his mental faculties remain robust.
“We’ve seen that although he may require assistance to walk onto the stage, he can speak for two hours — clearly indicating his mental clarity,” Hashim said. “His body may be weak, but he remains capable of delivering speeches and sharing insights. For PAS, intellectual leadership is what truly matters.”
Hashim also dismissed accusations that PAS members are overly devoted to Hadi and unwilling to accept younger successors. “That’s not true. We’re not like some other parties. We never made such claims. It’s just that the current president is still willing to lead, so it’s not an issue,” he added.
PN Presidential Council Proposal Requires Further Deliberation
On a separate note, regarding the proposal to form a Presidential Council within Perikatan Nasional (PN), Hashim said he personally agrees with the idea but believes it should be refined through negotiations among component parties.
He stated that he has been informed the matter is still under discussion by a joint committee comprising PAS, BERSATU, and other allied parties.
“I’m not a member of the committee, but I hope any potential disputes can be resolved before the next General Election (GE),” Hashim asserted. “It’s important for us to enter the GE as a united front, meaning we must reach consensus on seat allocations among the parties. In the past, we just rushed into elections with minimal discussion, which is why PAS used its own logo in Kelantan and Terengganu.”
When asked about analysts’ views suggesting the formation of the council might be a subtle way to reduce the power of PN Chairman and BERSATU President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Hashim said this should be determined through proper consultations.
“It depends on what is agreed upon in the establishment of the council — we cannot simply say it will reduce or increase power. Let the experts negotiate and and decide on what’s best,” he stated.
Previously, PAS proposed that PN establish a Presidential Council comprising leaders of all coalition parties. PAS Central Committee Member Khairil Nizam Khirudin confirmed the proposal has been communicated to BERSATU’s leadership.
