Hadi’s possible absence sign of greater woes, says Awang Adek

(The Malaysian Insider) – Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin today said Datuk Seri Hadi Awang’s possible absence from the next general election would be a significant setback for PAS and possibly the symptom of an unseen crisis in the Islamist party.

“This (decision) is probably resulting from the conflict in PAS, including from the sacking of Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Ali,” Bernama Online reported the deputy chairman of the state Umno chapter as saying.

“This situation will probably give a major blow to PAS spiritual leader, Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, as he is the one who should be making such a decision after holding the post of Kelantan mentri besar for too long,” Awang was quoted further in the report.

The PAS president indicated his desire to back out from running in the 13th general election despite Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) insistence it will take over federal government.

He said this was based on the fact that he has been an elected representative for over 30 years although his PR colleagues, including Nik Aziz, have served for longer.

The Marang MP said if he did not contest any seat, he would be free to campaign across the country to strengthen the party.

A weakened PAS would boost Umno’s ambitions of recapturing Kelantan, which has remained under PAS rule since 1990.