Several PAS divisions have publicly stated that they do not feel compelled to follow the party's 32-year-old tradition of having only one nominee for party president.

This follows PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali's recent claim that there was no contest for the top post since 1983 and the trend was likely to continue.

Yusof Rawa took helm of the party without contest then, followed by Fadzil Noor in 1989 and Abdul Hadi Awang in 2002.

Yusof's ascension as party president had led to the party's "leadership by ulama" maxim which is often touted by the party's conservative faction.

According to Pendang PAS division chief Mohamed Taulan Mat Rasual, Mustafa's remark was merely a "personal opinion".

"The statement will also not influence PAS divisions to choose the candidate they think is most qualified to be president as well as deputy president," he was quoted as saying in a Sinar Harian report today.

Pendang, Kedah serves as the base for PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, who is believed to be at odds with his boss Abdul Hadi the party's direction.

PAS' regional divisions would hold their annual general meetings this month until late April, where nominations for the party's top two post and central committee will be made.

Democracy

However, even PAS grassroots leader who are openly supportive of Abdul Hadi were reluctant to unilaterally declare that the PAS president would not be challenged.

"It's all still uncertain as the annual general assembly at the division level has yet to commence.

"In terms of qualification and by virtue of being an ulama, it cannot be denied that no one can match our tuan guru (teacher Abdul Hadi).

"But the possibility of him being challenged or not depends on the preparedness of those who want to challenge him as we practice democracy," Johor PAS chief Aminolhuda Hassan was quoted as saying by the daily.

This was echoed by Selangor PAS chief Iskandar Abdul Samad who said while he supporting the ulama leadership, he cannot instruct the divisions on who to nominate.

In a comment piece today, Sinar Harian also speculated that Mohamad may take the plunge against Abdul Hadi, noting that he has also been spotted holding events in Terengganu, which is considered Abdul Hadi's stronghold.

Undecided on contender

There has also been speculation that former Perak PAS commissioner Ahmad Awang may be a possible challenger and his status as an ulama may place him in a better position to take on Abdul Hadi compared to Mohamad.

Others potential candidates being mentioned by party insiders includes vice-presidents Salahuddin Ayub and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Both Ahmad and Mohamad are said to be aligned to the pro-Pakatan Rakyat group within PAS that have grown increasingly disillusioned with Abdul Hadi for distancing the party from the opposition coalition.

However, there is hitherto no concensus who would best pose a challenge to Abdul Hadi's leadership.

The delay may be for tactical reasons as their rallying figure will also be a target for conservative groups aligned to Abdul Hadi.

But as the annual general assembly for the PAS divisions nears, those aligned against Abdul Hadi must soon decide on a candidate if they are to mount any serious challenge against the president during election in June.