Hadi stepping down would cause only minor disruption in PAS, says analyst

Hadi stepping down would cause only minor disruption in PAS, says analyst

PETALING JAYA: PAS may experience only a brief period of instability if its president Abdul Hadi Awang were to step down, a political analyst says in response to growing speculation over the party’s top leadership.

Syaza Shukri said that any successor to Hadi might need some time to gain the full support of members, given the Marang MP’s strong charisma and leadership of PAS since 2003, following the death of Fadzil Noor.

“I believe that if Hadi is replaced by a trusted figure within the party such as Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man or Takiyuddin Hassan, there won’t be major issues, and the party’s stability can likely be maintained, especially with the backing of its Dewan Ulama and Syura Council.

“The new leader would need time to build confidence among members and establish legitimacy,” the International Islamic University Malaysia academic told FMT.

Last week, Sinar Harian reported that Hadi had hinted at stepping down due to health reasons. It is understood that he expressed this intention to senior party leaders at a recent retreat in Terengganu.

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The development fuelled speculation on the positions of the PAS president and deputy president ahead of the party’s internal election, expected in September.

Dewan Ulama committee member Mokhtar Senik claimed there had been calls for Hadi to relinquish the top post, although this was denied by state-level leaders.

Johor PAS Youth chief Ahmad Nawfal Mahfodz alleged that such efforts stemmed from external parties who were unhappy with PAS’s performance under Hadi’s leadership.

However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the pressure was coming from within the party as well, as some factions wanted to see PAS emerge as a stronger entity.

He also acknowledged the presence of “quiet movements” signalling the possible need for a change in leadership.

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“That’s why the ulama faction insists that the party’s top two positions must continue to be held by religious scholars.

“But the pressure from the professionals seems more pronounced right now, because there’s a sense that PAS needs reform,” he said.

Azmi added that while PAS members were known for their loyalty to the party’s leadership, many believed that change was necessary, albeit voluntary change and not through force.

“That’s why there’s a quiet, indirect movement to signal to Hadi that change is needed. And it does seem to be having some effect, hence the talk that both the number one and two positions should remain under the ulama faction,” he said.