Nasharuddin: Delegates voted for a GE line-up
Three term incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa graciously accepted his defeat in PAS party elections saying it is a ‘democratic process.’
(Free Malaysia Today) – Incumbent deputy president, Nasharuddin Mat Isa, who held the seat for six years has accepted his defeat saying that he had to ‘respect’ the delegates’ choice.
“We leave it to the delegates to decide and they have decided. They have voiced out their choice and you have to respect that choice,” said Nasharuddin.
“There is no issue of blaming anyone. The party election is a very democratic process…and we have to respect the rights of the delegates,” he added.
He was speaking to journalists at the sidelines of the party’s 57th muktamar in Taman Melewar here.
The fight for the deputy president’s post was considered to be a battle royale as Nasharuddin was pitted against grassroot leaders Mohamad Sabu and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Mat.
In a surprising turn, Mat Sabu swept to victory by securing a total of 420 votes. Tuan Ibrahim was second garnering 399 votes. Nasharuddin trailed behind both candidates with 224 votes.
When asked why he did not win, Nasharuddin cheekily answered: ” Because the delegates didn’t vote for me. Maybe the delegates wanted leaders who are more vocal.”
He dismissed speculations that the contensios ‘unity’ government issue had caused him his deputy president post, saying it was a “stale issue”.
Nasharuddin had been one of the main characters in the issue over unity talks between PAS and Umno.
The matter had dominated the party’s muktamar in 2009.
Although the issue was still talked-about, PAS party leaders have kept a conscious distance from the matter ever since.
Split votes
In the runup to the polls, many had predicted that votes from the ulama faction will be split between the two candidates, Nasharuddin and Tuan Ibrahim.
Both are perceived to be from this camp.
Concurring with the view, Nasharuddin said: “It is not new to have votes that split in a three corner fight.
“Yes…the ulama votes may have been split here.”
Asked for his views on the newly elected 2011-2013 national leadership lineup, which surprisingly comprised more moderates than ulamas, Nasharudin said ‘both sides were well represented.’
“Those voted in represent the different backgrounds from the two camps that have been called the ulama and the non-ulama.
“Even if the representation is not there (in terms of numbers), the spirit of the ulama is still very palpable.
“We still have the Syurah Council which is very influential,” he said.
In what is considered a ‘historic’ election, delegates voted in more progressives and professionals into key posts.
Aside from Mat Sabu, other ‘Erdogans’ whom delegates voted in were incumbents Salahudin Ayub, Mahfuz Omar and Husam Musa for vice presidents.
