PAS election: It's all about personalities....

The rhetoric on the old dynamics of ulama vs Erdogan and the 'unity' government seems to be picking up ahead of the PAS muktamar (annual assembly).

But the real forces at play in the upcoming party election may show an altogether different face.

Within, spiritual advisor Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat recently recalled Umno's overtures to the Islamic party, recounting that three ministerial posts had been offered on five separate occasions should PAS join the ruling coalition.

Such statements are seen by some as akin to rekindling the internecine 'unity government' feud in PAS.

Without, Umno-owned Malay daily Utusan Malaysia has taken the position that PAS should be returned to a leadership under the wise ulama. The Erdogan faction has been labelled a 'hooligan' that is damaging the party.

The political alliances that have emerged from the crucible of the nominations appear to conform to the Erdogan and ulama lines, prompting analysts to predict a battle in that classic mould. However, political observer Mohamad Sayuti Omar pointed out that such issues have been watered down.

Unlike the last party polls, there seems to be no concerted effort from either camp - or indeed, those who for or against a 'unity government' - to actively engage in an open campaign.

Instead, Sayuti posited that the rhetoric is "ad hoc" in nature. Those who feel like writing and speaking on a particular topic do so based on their personal stance.

The determining factor, he believes, will be the candidates, not camps or ideology, as is clearly being manifested in the heated race for the deputy presidency.

Sayuti placed central working committee member Mohamad Sabu(left) as the clear leader in this three-horse contest, for now, saying the demagogue has gained ground with his fiery campaigning.

He cautioned that the allure of the fast-talking Mohamad may hold hidden dangers for the ultra-conservatives of PAS. Voters may choose Mohamad not because they particularly like him but because they are against incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa.

Wildcard in the works

Sayuti, however, warned that Nasharuddin could turn this to his advantage by resorting to 'anti-campaigning' play.

Nasharuddin(above,right) could come across as Humble Joe and remind party members to be wary of his rival's flashy campaign tactics. All he has to do is to remain quiet and keep his head down, noted Sayuti.

This is mainly because the PAS grassroots are not concerned with his apparent lack of ability, but like the idea that he is a team player who does not trouble his president. Party members have traditionally shunned extrovert leaders.

Still, the king-maker in this race may be Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (right,below), the party disciplinary committee head, who entered the fray at the last minute after securing a substantial number of nominations.

On his own, Tuan Ibrahim may not be the favourite as he may be rejected by those who view his decision to stand as that of "an opportunist". However, his participation could prove to be of value to his opponents.

What is unique about him is that he is an attractive candidate to both the ulama and Erdogan camps - he is an ustaz and has family connections to Nik Aziz himself.

Similar dynamics, said sources close to PAS, are evident in the equally heated race for the vice-presidency.

One of the top two contenders is Perak PAS chief Mohammed Nizar Jamaluddin, who is well liked for his 'superstar' status gained during his battles to regain the state which had dropped into BN clutches.

The other favourite is information chief Idris Harun, who is perceived to be the voice of PAS. The conservatives are likely to favour the subdued Idris, while those who want change will favour Nizar.- Hazlan Zakaria.

source:malaysiakini

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