‘Hadi not stepping down'
PETALING JAYA: PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (pic) has shown no signs that he is stepping down, says party secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
This came following a report in Malay daily Sinar Harian that Abdul Hadi had indicated during a recent PAS leaders' retreat that he was stepping away from the post he has helmed for 21 years due to health reasons.
There is also reportedly speculation that the president and deputy president's posts might be contested during the party election in September.
Takiyuddin said if Abdul Hadi had given such indications during the retreat, he would be the first to know.
'He has not said anything or shown any sign that he does not want to continue, or that he does not want to be nominated again as president,' the Kota Baru MP said when contacted.
'Neither has there been any sign that his leadership is no longer needed. As long as he is capable, he must continue to lead.'
In its report, Sinar Harian claimed that Abdul Hadi's wishes to step down have sparked internal discussions about who should take over with some quarters suggesting that it should be the party's number two, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Takiyuddin said the retreat did not touch on Abdul Hadi's post or his health.
'He did not say anything about relinquishing his post during the retreat. We talked about a lot of issues but this was not one of them,' he said.
The Marang MP, added Takiyuddin, is still attending party meetings regularly as president, the last being the party's central committee meeting last month.
'He has never missed any of our party meetings and he even calls special meetings with the leadership when he is back in Terengganu.
'On June 15, he is scheduled to launch a book by (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,' he said.
Abdul Hadi suffered health complications in June 2023 and was admitted to Putrajaya Hospital after experiencing shortness of breath before being transferred to the National Heart Institute for further treatment.
Those wishing to contest for central committee posts at the party elections in September must secure a set number of nominations from the divisions.
'For PAS, the top two posts must be occupied by ulama as they are steeped in knowledge about Islam,' said Takiyuddin.
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