Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has rejected the nomination to vie for the PAS president’s post in the coming party polls.

The PAS vice-president, who described the nomination as "shocking", said he continues to support current number one Abdul Hadi Awang.

"Thank you for the nomination and the confidence given.

"However, I cannot accept the nomination as I will continue supporting Hadi as PAS president as well as to assist him," he said in a statement today.

Eleven of the 13 committee members of the Kota Bharu PAS division nominated Tuan Ibrahim.

The biennial party polls will be held in June in conjunction with PAS’ general assembly.

Tuan Ibrahim said if fellow vice president Husam Musa could say that he was "10 times smaller than Hadi", then he is even more unworthy.

"With my five feet two inches height, I am 5.2 times behind Hadi in terms of leadership."

He pointed to international recognition for Hadi, whom he said brought PAS to glory.

"Internationally, he was elected as vice president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.

"So far, no one can match his leadership in PAS," Tuan Ibrahim said.

PAS practices democracy

The nomination nevertheless proves that PAS practices democracy in the party despite critics accusing otherwise, he said.

He added that the president post has never before been contested, especially during the ulama leadership era.

"It would be good if we uphold the ulama leadership, as stated by (Kota Bharu PAS division chief) Wan Abdul Rahim Wan Abdullah, and to continue maintaining such a culture," said Tuan Ibrahim.

When contacted last night, Wan Abdul Rahim said he was certain that Hadi will not defend his post.

Factional wars within PAS is no secret, with the Erdogans now accused to plotting Hadi's ouster.

Tuan Ibrahim's nomination was earlier lauded by analysts as a "brilliant" move.

"Tuan Ibrahim is seen as someone who is acceptable to both sides, and he can play the role as a 'pendamai' (peacemaker) between both factions in the party," Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan (right) said when contacted.
 
This view was echoed by Penang Institute fellow Wong Chin Huat, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political scientist Mohammad Agus Yusof.

Wong believes that besides Tuan Ibrahim, other leaders like incumbent veep Salahuddin Ayub and Perak PAS commissioner Ahmad Awang could be good "compromise" candidates.

Agus, meanwhile, believes that Hadi should not defend his post if health is a factor.

"However if he wants to keep his post and contest, this will be healthy for the democracry within PAS," the associate professor said when contacted.

Additional reporting by Zikri Kamarulzaman