Friday, June 3, 2011

Professionals, ulama in tussle for control

Delegates at the 52nd Pas Youth assembly at  Dewan Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam yesterday. A total of 650 delegates took part in the voting on the second day of the wing’s muktamar. Incumbent Nasruddin Hassan won the post of Pas Youth head unopposed while Nik Abduh, the son of Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, won the deputy Youth head contest, defeating three other  candidates. The delegates also  elected 12 new committee members for the 2011-2013 term. — NST picture by Sairien Nafis
Delegates at the 52nd Pas Youth assembly at Dewan Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam yesterday. A total of 650 delegates took part in the voting on the second day of the wing’s muktamar. Incumbent Nasruddin Hassan won the post of Pas Youth head unopposed while Nik Abduh, the son of Pas spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, won the deputy Youth head contest, defeating three other candidates. The delegates also elected 12 new committee members for the 2011-2013 term.


IN a subtle tone, Pas Dewan Ulama chief Datuk Harun Taib said the party had always opened its arms to professionals.

"The ulama has never closed its doors against professionals in or outside the party in upholding the teachings of Islam," said Harun, in his opening speech to about 400 Dewan Ulama delegates at Taman Melewar here yesterday. His text was read out by his deputy, Datuk Ahmad Yaakob.

This was a telling speech, coinciding with another important contest for the post of deputy president in the party.




Harun had himself unsuccessfully sought to unseat the incumbent No. 2, Nasharuddin Mat Isa, four years ago.

Harun is from Terengganu. Another ulama heavyweight from neighbouring Pahang, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, is in the fray this time alongside Mohamad Sabu or Mat Sabu, seen as a grassroots favourite.

Harun went on to provide greater insight into the thought processes of the ulama group which could help explain why they do not wish to have a non-ulama win the No. 2 post and eventually take over as president.


When it comes to the party's organisation, Harun suggested that the party's top leadership should be assisted by a frontman who possesses the qualities of ulama haraki -- an ulama capable of driving the president into the right direction.

Khalid Samad, the Shah Alam member of parliament and a professional, is now the divisional chief of Shah Alam. Someone with an ulama background, Wan Azhar Wan Ahmad, leads the Besut division.

Harun, in his speech, said Pas was grounded on the leadership of scholars, active and loyal at every level in the party.


Central working committee member for Dewan Ulama, Abdul Ghani Samsudin, said choosing either a professional or an ulama for the top post had never been a problem for delegates in the wing.

If the sentiment of the ulama factor translates to votes, this would give Nasharuddin or Tuan Ibrahim an edge over Mat Sabu. Then again, if the ulama form a powerful lobby in Pas how does one then explain the popularity of Mat Sabu? Apparently Mat Sabu is not well liked within ulama circles because he had always been vocal against the unity government and was outspoken in criticising top leaders.

Hence, if the crowd gets its way, Mat Sabu will be proclaimed deputy president. If the ulama triumph, then Tuan Ibrahim should be the new deputy. If Nasharuddin wins, it could very well mean that his challengers have neutralised each other. Then again, Nasharuddin is the "professional ulama".


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