Issues in PAS began after GE
(Berita Daily) – A PAS central committee member says the party’s leadership failed to address several grassroots’ issues led to unending bickering and a sense of despair in the rank and files of its members.
The failure of the PAS top echelons to address issues fast and effectively has resulted in internal discord among members and leaders alike, PAS central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
Speaking to Berita Daily, Dzulkefly said the current calamity in the run up towards PAS Muktamar this June was a result of unresolved conflicts that arose just after the 13th General Election (GE13) in May, 2013
The former Kuala Selangor MP was asked to comment on the development surrounding PAS whereby in an unprecedented move, several divisions nominated other candidates to contest the presidency against Abdul Hadi Awang.
There was also a surprise decision made by the Batu division where top office bearers stepped down as a sign of protest towards the party’s top leadership for failing to tackle rising internal strife.
Denying existence of any conspiracy to bring down Abdul Hadi, Dzulkefly said that the current situation reflects the grassroots dissatisfaction against the current leadership.
“These are the reflection of dissatisfaction from the grassroots towards PAS leaderships for its failure to properly address several issues; three cornered tussle in a few seats in GE13 against ally in Pakatan Rakyat (PR), Selangor menteri besar fiasco, national consensus and the talk of ‘unity government’, friction in party with some wanted to remain in PR while others believed the tahaluf siyasi (coalition politics) has already been nullified and also of the labelling culture in PAS.
“These issues have not been addressed and explained properly to the grassroots. Not just by the president, but also the top leadership. The issues were left hanging and fermenting,” he explained.
PAS Batu’s case was the ultimate reflection of discontent and dissent by grassroot members
According to Dzulkefly, obedience in Islamic organisation is a bilateral relationship. Both leaders and members, as followers have their rights and responsibilities.
“There are two sides or aspects to the concept of obedience…leaders and followers have their own rights and responsibilities. It is the right of leaders to be obeyed by their followers and it is their duty to explain and give clarity to their followers.
“For the followers, it is their duty to obey their leaders and it is their rights to give their opinions and also to be given explanation by their leaders,” he said, adding that this is the beauty of leadership in Islam; you don’t simply follow blindly.
Dzulkefly cited the PAS Batu division case, where 17 out of its 25 central committee members step down immediately fortnight ago describing it as the ultimate reflection of the grassroots unhappiness towards the party top leaders.
Abdul Hadi’s leadership of the party has been heavily criticised over the years.
He has been holding the post since 2002 and has never been challenged before. But if the current trend continues Abdul Hadi might face challenge to the top post from PAS vice-presidents Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Husam Musa.
Tuan Ibrahim however has declined to contest the presidency and has thrown his support for Abdul Hadi.
The nomination period for 27 PAS’ central level positions that include the president’s post started on March 1 and will end on April 30.
