SHAH ALAM - The 71st Pas Muktamar scheduled to open on Sept 16 at the Pas Complex in Kedah, will see no contests for the party’s top leadership.
Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang continues as president, while Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man retains the deputy president post.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Bagan Serai MP Datuk Idris Ahmad and Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah remained as vice-presidents following Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Sanusi Md Nor’s withdrawal.
Speaking ahead of the event, Amar dismissed claims that democracy in the party had died.
“It is not dead because constitutionally there is no prohibition and the party itself has never issued any directive or decision to bar contests. The president himself often says anyone who is nominated and qualified may contest; he never blocks them,” he said.
Amar emphasised that avoiding contests for the two top posts has helped stabilise the party ahead of the next General Election (GE).
“By not contesting the two top posts, we have managed to stabilise the party’s position. If there is ever a leadership transition, whether the president resigns or steps down due to health reasons, the deputy president is already in place to succeed him.
“With today’s situation, after three years there are many issues that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has failed to manage properly.
“That is why Pas must prepare a strong team to face GE and get ready to govern,” he added.
Pas, according to Amar, has never stopped working on election preparations.
“After elections, we may take a short break of about a month, but then we continue working for the next one. Preparations for the general election actually began two years ago,” he said, adding that the party’s machinery had recently been strengthened, particularly in Sabah.
When asked about who should be the Prime Minister candidate if Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pas secure the most seats in GE16, Amar said anyone who won can be Prime Minister.
“The Constitution states any MP who commands majority support may be appointed as Prime Minister. Our concept is simply to win, as Abdul Hadi has said. Once we win, anyone can be Prime Minister.
“We are open to criticism, but in our context, criticism must be respectful. It should be constructive, not slander or emotional venting. The president is among the most open in Central Committee meetings. In the Muktamar, he has never dismissed any points raised by delegates,” Amar said.
As Pas headed into its 71st Muktamar, Amar highlighted the need for unity and a stronger team to support the president.
“We need an even stronger team to support the president and the party. If we are given the political mandate to govern the country in the next GE, we will already have a solid line-up capable of building the nation for the better,” he said.