PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat (below) has thrown his weight behind an ulama to be be the party's deputy president in the upcoming party election in November but with a caveat.

This was on top of supporting incumbent PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who is also an ulama, to retain his post.

NONE"I pray that Hadi who has a lot of experience and knowledge, if possible, that he continue to be president.

"But the deputy should be based on votes and surely I would like an ulama to be his (Hadi's) deputy," he was quoted as saying in a Sinar Harian report today.

The apparent backing does not bode well for current PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu who is not an ulama.

Nik Abdul Aziz added in the report, that he had his eyes on a possible candidate for the party's deputy presidency but insisted that the party will decide on who would be the most suitable.

The former Kelantan menteri besar's remarks come after Padang Serai PAS chief Fauzi Tahir said he was prepared to challenge Abdul Hadi for the party's top post.