PAS polls: Latest nominations reflect ulama domination

(The Star) – PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and vice-president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man have dominated the nominations for the top two posts ahead of the party’s June elections.

Hadi has to date garnered 80 nominations for the president’s position while Tuan Ibrahim has 78 nominations for deputy president.

This trend is likely to reflect calls within the party for an ulama leadership to fend off the contradicting views of central committee members who are said to be more progressive.

Datuk Husam Musa has, meanwhile, received only eight nominations for the top post, while veteran leader Ahmad Awang has three nominations.

A huge difference also can be seen in the contest of the deputy president’s post, as incumbent Mohamad Sabu only received nine nominations.

As for the vice-presidents race, ulama leader Idris Ahmad has bagged 64 nominations, followed by incumbent Salahuddin Ayub (40) and deputy Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah (36).

Incumbent Datuk Mahfuz Omar garnered 34 nominations, followed by Nasrudin Hassan with 33 and Datuk Iskandar Samad with 20.

Incumbents Husam and Tuan Ibrahim, who were also nominated for the top posts, received 10 and six nominations respectively, with Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa trailing behind with three nominations.

Each nominee needs at least two nominations qualify to contest the post and they are entitled to reject the nominations.

There are a total of 191 divisions nationwide and PAS aims to conclude the divisional meetings on Tuesday.

The party polls election will take place during PAS’ 61st Muktamar in Kuala Selangor, from June 3 to 6.