Samsuri eyeing bigger role in leaving Marang PAS chief post, says analyst

Free Malaysia Today

a day ago

Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who has been the Marang PAS chief since 2019, announced yesterday that he would not be defending his position. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : An analyst has described Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar's decision not to defend his post as Marang PAS chief as a possible move towards pursuing a higher position in the party.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Samsuri's decision to relinquish the post he had held for years might not simply be about injecting 'fresh energy' into the division.
Speaking to FMT, he said it might be an early signal of bigger political ambitions ahead of the 16th general election (GE16).
'There's a possibility that Samsuri is looking ahead – letting go of a less significant position to vie for a more influential one, such as the PAS deputy presidency.
'From a different aspect, it could be a message from the party leadership: that the old guard should make way for new leaders,' he told FMT.
Samsuri, who has been the Marang PAS chief since 2019, announced yesterday that he would not be defending his position.
He said he believed the time had come for someone else to carry on the struggle.
Terengganu PAS committee member Hanafiah Mat said Samsuri's decision to step down was due to his 'huge mission' of preparing for GE16.
PAS spiritual adviser Hashim Jasin said Samsuri's decision to step down as Marang commissioner was a non-issue since he was still a party vice-president and the Terengganu menteri besar.
Meanwhile, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Samsuri's decision could be tied to political manoeuvring within PAS.
She said the move might appear to be about opening up space for new leaders, but could also be interpreted as a response to growing unease among certain factions over Samsuri's position.
'I think Samsuri is prioritising the party's interests, especially if there are already voices expressing uneasiness with his leadership,' she said.
She did not rule out the possibility that Samsuri might also decline to defend his PAS vice-presidency in the upcoming party elections.
'If the voices opposing Samsuri grow louder, and more party leaders withdraw their support for him, it's possible that he will no longer remain as menteri besar.
'But I believe Terengganu PAS will be fine. In fact, it might even become more stable after this,' she added.