By Lynelle Tham
Abdul Hadi Awang has been PAS president since June 2002 and is in his seventh term as MP. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Recent moves by PAS leaders may be a sign the party is testing the waters for a change of leadership, according to a political analyst who says the party is sending subtle signals of a possible shift after more than two decades with Abdul Hadi Awang at the helm.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Awang Azman Pawi said recent remarks by PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin amounted to a strategic move to gauge internal sentiment about Hadi stepping aside.
Hashim had said that all positions, including the top two posts, could be contested at the party’s coming muktamar.
鈥淧AS may be quietly preparing for the post-Hadi era, and this statement serves as a subtle opening for a controlled, not abrupt, transition,” Awang Azman told FMT. 鈥淏ut all of this hinges on whether the ulama faction is truly ready to share power with technocrats and professionals within the party.鈥
Clues to watch for include the tone and content of Hadi’s speeches at the muktamar in September and other official functions, especially if he stresses unity, succession, or his legacy.
Hadi, 77, has led PAS since June 2002 and is serving his seventh term as MP for Marang. His health has declined in recent years, and he has been admitted to hospital several times.
While party leaders insist that Hadi remains central to PAS鈥檚 identity and strength, questions about succession have grown in recent years due to his declining health.
Speculation has intensified following the Pengkalan Chepa division’s nomination of vice-president Nik Amar Abdullah for the deputy presidency. The incumbent is Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Hadi鈥檚 stature remains vital to the party鈥檚 cohesion, particularly among conservative Malay voters.
鈥淚f there鈥檚 a need to replace him as president, he may be elevated to the role of spiritual leader (Mursyidul Am). That way, PAS retains Hadi鈥檚 symbolic authority while opening space for new leadership,鈥 he said.
Ulama still lead, but change is coming
Awang Azman expects the ulama to still dominate the party鈥檚 decision-making, but changes are already quietly unfolding, as in Terengganu, where aerospace engineer-turned-politician Samsuri Mokhtar serves as menteri besar.
鈥淗owever, the structure of the syura council and PAS鈥檚 strong culture of loyalty (wala鈥) mean that this change will be slow and controlled,” he said.
鈥淭he ulama are not being sidelined, but are expected to share leadership space with technocrats. PAS may be moving toward a ‘dual leadership model’ with an ulama president and a technocrat or professional as deputy.”
Fauzi said PAS knows it must adapt to grow in more diverse areas like the Klang Valley, Sabah and Sarawak, and that means giving professionals a bigger role.
鈥淏ut this shift must not take place to the extent of overshadowing or antagonising the ulama faction, as this is where core support for PAS lies, in the Malay heartland of the north and northeast,鈥 he said.