Pas faces key transition as Abdul Hadi hints at potential exit

SHAH ALAM - The intention hinted at by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to step down from his position as Pas president has raised significant questions about who is suitable to replace him.

Ilham Centre chief executive officer Hisommudin Bakar said if Abdul Hadi truly stepped down, it will mark a pivotal moment in Pas’ modern history.

He said based on the statements made, it appeared that the ulama faction was now working to shape the narrative so that the transition of power occur smoothly and does not disrupt the party’s stability.

"The hints given by Mokhtar Senik and Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah suggest that there should not be any major shake-up and that Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man should take over as president.

"The implied hierarchy is that there should be no alternative formula, such as appointing Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, or any non-ulama figure as Pas president. They still want the leadership to remain in the hands of the ulama," he told Sinar.

Hisommudin Bakar (left) and Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan (right).

He added that this was an effort to soften the transition so that it was well accepted by the grassroots, while Abdul Hadi would be placed in a more fitting role as Pas Mursyidul Am (spiritual guide), following in the footsteps of the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

When asked who would be the most suitable candidate to replace Abdul Hadi, Hisommudin deferred the matter to Pas delegates to decide.

However, he noted that as hinted by Mohd Amar, they hoped that this upcoming party election will not be contested.

"In simple terms, the ulama camp wants Tuan Ibrahim to become the party president. There may be some changes in the line-up if Tuan Ibrahim assumes the presidency. Following that, further reshuffling may occur if Mohd Amar moves up to become deputy president.

"So, there will be a vacancy and competition for the vice-president seat as well. In my view, that’s a normal occurrence. The main question now is: who will hold the number one position?," he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara Political Science senior lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan viewed the remarks made by Mokhtar and Mohd Amar as an early reminder to the grassroots to be prepared for change.

He noted that Pas leaders may have learnt from what happened during PKR’s recent internal elections.

"This is certainly something Pas needs to avoid and also serves as a general reminder to candidates and supporters intending to contest.

“However, I believe that majority of the Pas members, including the top leadership, continue to show loyalty and hold deep respect for the president.

"At the very least, this keeps the party free from internal polemics, as the Pas president has managed to maintain power stability, preventing other members from openly contesting certain positions within the party," he said.

When asked whether this was the right time for Abdul Hadi to step down, he said now was indeed the right moment, as Pas, in today’s political landscape needed to be led by a new figure capable of advancing the party’s narrative.