With all posts up for grabs, an intriguing contest appears to be on the cards in electing the PAS deputy president at the annual general assembly scheduled from June 1-5 in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Talk that incumbent Hassan Shukri has openly expressed reservations about defending the post he won two years, when he defeated Mustafa Ali, has livened up speculation about possible contestants.

Party members are abuzz over the news that, at a private gathering at his home with a group of friends on Feb 19, Hassan had apparently said he wanted to resign to make way for younger blood.

However, a PAS activist from Kuala Lumpur who attended the gathering denied that Hassan had ever said this.

"He merely said he might consider retiring if there are many candidates vying for the post. He never said that he would resign. The allegations is false," said the professional who declined to be named.

His take on the matter is that the rumours are being spread by a certain faction to exert pressure on Hassan to step down.

This faction, he said, is making use of the issue of botched investments by Koperasi Al-Hilal Berhad (Kohilal) to force the senior politician out, as he was chairperson of the party-linked co-operative society at the time.

"They believe that ustaz Hassan should step down because Kohilal is currently being investigated by the Co-operatives Development Department (JPK) and the Securities Commission (SC) and action could be taken against him. They claim that he should step down before that happens," said the activist, who has been a PAS member since 1990.

However, the activist said Hassan has nothing to fear from the investigations as he has not commit any wrongdoing while heading Kohilal.

"Those close to him have advised him to ignore the pressure. They are confident that he is the right person to hold the deputy's post."

Leadership qualities

A Selangor politician held the differing view that Hassan should put the party's interest over his personal political career. This would require him to step down until his name is cleared by JPK and the SC.

"Investigations are underway. PAS' image will be seriously affected if the authorities take action against him while holding the deputy president's post. Hassan should be pro-active and not wait until it is too late," he said.

He also claimed that Hassan's actions in recent years have proved that he is not cut out to occupy a top post, compared to leaders like deputy mursyidul am and information chief Dr Haron Din and vice-president and Selangor commissioner Dr Hassan Ali ( right ).

"We need more dynamic leaders as we have to come up with a more effective strategy if we plan to win more votes in the 2008 election. This may sound cruel, but a leader who talks about membership drive in every speech is not going to get us anywhere," he said referring to Hassan's oft repeated statement recruiting members.

A lecturer and party worker closely linked to Hassan, who said his leadership has been severely under-rated, blamed this on the new members "who know very little of the party's history".

"These newcomers...they are the ones who spoil the party. They are not familiar with PAS. They rate leaders according to ceramah skills and prominence in the media... that's all. To them, kalau pandai cakap, selalu keluar paper, itu kira bagus (it's considered good enough if someone is articulate and is frequently quoted in the press)," he said.

"Yes, (Hassan) does not have those qualities on his side, but look at what he has done for the party. Not many people know that the PAS logo was his creation. The party's organisational chart - now referred to by every member - was drafted by him when he was the secretary. He's punctual, disciplined and very religious. To say that he does not have leadership qualities is absurd."

Two more names

It is believed that Hassan is not the only one being pressured. Party sources revealed that Haron too is under pressure, but for a different reason - he is being persuaded to run for the No 2 post.

A party worker from Terengganu claimed that a group comprising mainly of young professionals has been trying to get the famous faith healer to contest the post, saying he is the only one capable of defeating Hassan if there is a contest.

"Hassan appeals too much to the grassroots in rural constituencies that place too much value on seniority and the status of ulamak. Only a candidate like Dr Haron Din can break his popularity," said the source.

Not all agree. A division leader from Selangor pointed out that Haron himself has repeatedly said that he does not favour contests.

"Haron disappointed many members when he withdrew from contesting after Hassan insisted on standing for the post. He will disappoint us again if there is a contest. Following the traditions of Islam's earliest caliphs, he will only take up the post if there is a consensus," he said.

A youth leader from Kedah said Hassan and Haron are not the only candidates likely to be involved. The majority of the divisions in Kedah and Perlis have agreed to nominate the state's commissioner Azizan Abdul Razak - who is also a party vice-president.

"Azizan is likely to accept the nomination for his political survival. He is senior enough to hold the No 2 post. And I don't think he wants to be on par with (secretary-general) Nasharuddin (Mat Isa, who may be nominated a vice-president)," he explained.

"It's an open secret that these two don't get along and so, Azizan may opt to go for the higher post."

Whoever wins the post can expect a tough time ahead in the next two years, as PAS battles to change its political strategies to leave behind its recent electoral miseries.