PAS prepares for leadership change as Hadi signals exit
PAS leader Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's hint at retiring as president has sparked big questions about his successor.
Ilham Centre CEO Hisommudin Bakar is of the view that a potential exit of Hadi from the Islamic party will be a major turning point in PAS's modern history, according to Sinar Harian.
Meanwhile, it appears that the ulama faction is pushing for a smooth, stable power transition.
Remarks from PAS' Mokhtar Senik and Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah suggest PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as the next president, avoiding upheaval.
This will also avoid non-ulama candidates like Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar gaining an upper hand in the party.
The Ilham Centre sees this as a move to ease grassroots acceptance, possibly positioning Hadi as PAS Mursyidul Am, following the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
The choice of successor in PAS will also depend on delegates but indications are that the ulama camp favours Tuan Ibrahim as party leader and Mohd Amar could rise to deputy president.
In April, Mohd Amar said that there is no internal conflict or tension among the party's leadership, despite ongoing speculation, including about his nomination at this year's PAS Muktamar (general assembly).
He said the matter of candidacy is the party's prerogative, and he is not concerned if he is not nominated in the upcoming party election.
Analysts however said the hints from Hadi are a warning for the party grassroots to prepare for change, as they are learning from PKR's divisive elections.
Hadi has reportedly signalled his intention to step down from his position due to health concerns. The Marang MP is said to have conveyed this to the party's top leadership during a retreat in Terengganu last weekend.
Sources said the disclosure has triggered internal discussions within the party's ulama (religious scholars) faction, which is now actively encouraging Tuan Ibrahim to assume the leadership role. — June 7, 2025
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