KUALA LUMPUR – Mokhtar Senik, a member of PAS’s Ulama Council, believes that for PAS to maintain its relevance as an Islamic party, it should keep its top two leaders, the President and Deputy President, as ulama (religious scholars).
He emphasised that PAS should not try to emulate DAP, Umno, or PKR in becoming a secular party. Additionally, he urged party members to recognise the significance of these two leadership roles within the party.
“If PAS aims to stay relevant as an Islamic party, it should ensure that both the President and Deputy President are ulama. The essence of PAS is rooted in Islam.
“How can a person lacking a solid understanding of Islamic teachings effectively promote Islam within PAS?
“Having leaders who do not possess a deep knowledge of Islam is insufficient. Gradually, PAS risks becoming secular, albeit in its own way.
“So, if you are a PAS member who values the original principles of the party, do not overlook the significance of these two key leadership roles,” he said on Facebook today.
He mentioned that, in line with PAS’s principles of democracy and openness, both positions can be legitimately challenged and debated.
“Democracy is important, but we shouldn’t let it undermine PAS. Openness is valuable, but we must ensure it doesn’t cause division,” he stated.
There have been ongoing discussions from certain groups about whether the top two positions in PAS, namely the President and Deputy President, should be contested in the upcoming party elections later this year.
Mokhtar, a leader within PAS, strongly believes that these positions, currently held by Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, should remain uncontested as he feels the party still requires their leadership.
Previously, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, the PAS Central Election Director, stated that the party does not prevent its leaders from running for the President and Deputy President roles in the elections scheduled for September.
He emphasised that these positions are open for contest and that there are no restrictions on any leader wishing to compete. – May 15, 2025