The speculation that ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was asked to lead PAS has been dismissed as being mere rumours.

PAS central committee member Dr Hatta Ramli said no such proposal was put forward to Anwar when he, party president Abdul Hadi Awang and deputy spiritual adviser Dr Haron Din visited him in Munich recently.

"Of course politics in relation to the opposition front was discussed but that's all. Others are all pure rumours," said Hatta when contacted.

He also said he was aware of the rumours which stemmed from the hour-long private talk with Anwar, who is recovering from a spinal surgery.

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Azmin Ali, who is also in Munich, remained tightlipped on what was discussed.

"All I can say is that there was a specific proposal made but at this point of time I am not in liberty to give details," he said when contacted.

Anwar is important

A PAS source claimed that the party leaders visited Anwar just to convey their willingness to have him lead the opposition front (Barisan Alternatif, comprising PAS and PKR) in the future.

"They are satisfied with the outcome of the meeting as Anwar has given a clear commitment to the party that he would play a major role in propelling the opposition front forward.

"It has been announced that the president (Abdul Hadi) would reveal the details of the meeting in the next edition of Harakah (party organ)," he said.

On the visit to Munich, he said it was initiated by a group of leaders "who were quick to realise the need to synchronise their political strategies and approaches to that of Anwar's".

"When Anwar was freed, an unofficial meeting took place between leaders at the vice-presidential and central committee level on PAS' next course of action.

"They unanimously agreed that Anwar's presence will far outshine that of any leader in PAS and the party must not be left behind," he added.

The group then approached Abdul Hadi and Haron, who both acknowledged the importance of Anwar in the party's political agenda.

"When the group raised their concern, Hadi humbly agreed that Anwar has an important role to play and wouldn't mind taking a step back for him (in the BA)," said the source.

However, he said this sentiment is not shared unanimously by the party's front line and added that the rumours on the alleged presidency offer was fueled by the 'anti-Anwar' faction in PAS.

"What they (the 'anti-Anwar' faction) did was to exaggerate Hadi's willingness and create the ridiculous spin that Anwar was offered the presidency. They hoped that the grassroots would react in a way that would discredit the meeting.

"This faction feels that there is no need for the party to latch on the Anwar factor to improve its strength. They feel PAS should lead the opposition, not Anwar. This is the group that is still in denial and maintains that the Anwar factor did not help PAS in the 1999 general election," he added.

Unclear stand

A Kuala Lumpur-based politician expressed concern that the 'anti-Anwar' faction may rally enough support to wreck the party's plan to work closely with the former deputy premier.

"The situation is not helped by Anwar who to date has not been very clear and strong on his commitment with the opposition. Many are not sure of his stance," he said.

His concern may be founded as a poll in harakahdaily showed that only 57.2 percent of party supporters felt that Anwar should head the opposition.

Commenting on the matter, political analyst and writer Ahmad Lutfi Othman said Anwar's not-so-clear stand is expected.

"From all that he has said, he seemed inclined to work with the opposition but at the same time he wants to keep all doors open. As someone who has been so close to power and with his prime-minister like stature, it's understandable why he does not want to close any option without deliberation. After all he was just released.

"Realistically speaking, chances of becoming prime minister is better through Umno. The door (from Umno) may be closed now but if there is internal movement to bring him back, it can be re-opened in a jiffy," he said.

Despite the vague stand, he said there is still high hopes among many reformasi and opposition supporters, especially those within PAS, for Anwar to be the opposition leader.

"I think the party (PAS), be it the leadership or grassroots level, know where they stand and the limitation of the leaders. This is not based on the recent election results but if you look in terms of influence and stature, they know Anwar is much ahead compared to any PAS leader," he said.

"Anwar's release has too much implication on the party's plan of action and members holding such high hopes are faithfully waiting for his return.

"I believe the people's reaction to his return could be a turning point for Anwar in making his decision. After seeing such overwhelming support, he would probably diminish any thoughts of not working with the opposition," he added.

The Federal Court has cleared Anwar of his sodomy charges on Sept 2 but had upheld his corruption conviction which means he is legally barred from holding any political posts until 2008.