Mohamad Sabu(R) is outspoken and enjoys a streetfighter image.Nasharudin Mat Isa (L) is known as a non-confrontational politician
IN a party characterised by fiery ceramah, Nasharudin Mat Isa is not a dazzling speaker.
More ominously for the non-confrontational politician, he has attracted an assortment of critics who are loudly suggesting -- ahead of the June 3-5 muktamar-cum-election -- that a contrasting personality should replace him.
They have just the man for the job; Mohamad Sabu is outspoken and enjoys a streetfighter image. He has been detained under the Internal Security Act twice and accused of khalwat (close proximity) some years back.
Fittingly, the former Kuala Kedah member of parliament is keen.
Not dissuaded by back-to-back defeats in the 2008 general election (he was defeated in Kuala Terengganu) and in a three-cornered fight for the party's deputy presidency a year later, "Mat Sabu" has been keeping in touch with the grassroots.
Kelantan state lawmaker, Abdul Fatah Harun told the New Straits Times that the former vice-president would be the perfect deputy for president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
Very emphatically, Fatah, who is Bukit Tunku assemblyman, went on to burnish Mat Sabu's credentials and pretty much amplified Nasharudin's weaknesses.
"Mohamad is a firebrand. Nasharudin, on the other hand, is a little weak," said Fatah.
He sees in Mat Sabu a potentially effective deputy who will execute the policies outlined by the president and whip up excitement at the ceramah.
"I am disappointed with Nasharudin. Sometimes, he does not give the strength the president needs, especially in preparing for the coming general election," he said.
Central committee member Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was similarly enthusiastic about Mat Sabu, despite the challenger's "grey" status. He is neither an ulama nor a professional and these are the two central components needed in the party.
"This man is political but not academically qualified as oppose to the incumbent, but he will go the extra mile to close ranks after the contest.
"He may seem extreme with his views but he is actually very balanced, and that is exactly what we need. Besides, he is always on the ground," said Dzulkefly, the Kuala Selangor MP.
That Nasharudin has served for two terms is also being used against him. "Two terms is enough," said a source.
Ironically, some of Mat Sabu's backers have made it known that despite his popularity, he should never be president.
Dzulkefly said Mat Sabu knew the score. A different set of dynamics is required to lead the party.
"We will cross the bridge when we get there," said Dzulkefly.
According to party sources, Mat Sabu is racing ahead in the nomination count. Pas does not make public nomination tally statistics but according to sources, 60 divisions had nominated Mat Sabu against Nasharudin's 30. The 179 divisions have until May 15 to put up their nominations.
A candidate needs two nominations to qualify.
Although he has more than enough nominations to qualify for the contest, Mat Sabu sought to play down his candidacy when quizzed by the media.
"I will only announce my candidacy on May 15," he said, adding that he would only contest if there was enough support from the members.
In the interim, don't discount potential surprises, said party insiders. Pas disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man could well join the fray despite announcing earlier that he would stay out in the interest of "party unity".
The whole equation will change if Tuan Ibrahim enters the contest as he shares the same support base as Mat Sabu, thus benefiting Nasharudin in a three-cornered fight.
