There are attempts within PAS to nominate a 'pro-ulama leader' to run for the party's Muslimat (women's) wing in the coming annual general assembly or muktamar this June, revealed party insiders.

A Muslimat grassroots leader told malaysiakini that certain individuals in the PAS top leadership are uncomfortable with the current women leaders who are viewed as 'too open and vocal'.

"I think there is a concerted effort by them to promote certain Muslimat leaders, there is also talk going around that our current leader Kalthom Othman is seriously considering to retire," she said.

A Muslimat leader who requested anonymity said Kalthom (photo) had expressed her reservations to defend the post due to health reasons and has approached her younger deputies and assistants to take over.

"Yes, Mak Som (as Kalthom is fondly known among younger members) has thought of throwing in the towel. She has been at the forefront for a long time and her hypertension is making it hard. She is ready to move out for a younger, vocal and dynamic Muslimat leader," said the professional.

She revealed that Kalthom had confided to her close friends that she hopes her deputy Dr Lo' Lo' Ghazali would be nominated for the top post.

"If Dr Lo' Lo' is nominated - which I think she would - and if she agrees to contest, Mak Som would fully support her. Having worked closely together over the years has shown Mak Som that Dr Lo' Lo' is ripe for leadership," she added.

Interesting race

However, when contacted, the soft-spoken religious teacher politely declined to confirm stating that she had yet to make any decision.

"Saya tak boleh komen. (I cannot comment) I have not made any decision. We'll see how it goes," said Kalthom.

Asked if it was true that she wants to take a step back for a younger leader, she replied: " I rather not talk about it. I leave it totally to the delegates who come to the muktamar to make their choice."

If Kalthom opts not to defend her post, party observers noted that there would be an interesting race as among those vying to take over the women's wing is Selangor Muslimat chief Wan Hasrina Wan Hassan.

"She has the strong support of the ulama. She is closely linked to former Selangor commissioner (Senator) Hassan Shukri who is now deputy president. She still asks for his advice even after Dr Hassan Ali took over PAS Selangor," said one of them.

A PAS activist from Petaling Jaya revealed that although the party hates to admit the existence of the two groups (ulama and professionals) within the women's wing, it cannot ignore them.

She said the two groups were especially obvious after the 2001 contest between former Muslimat chief Fatimah @ Zainab Ibrahim and then incumbent Jamilah Ibrahim who is popular among the professional Muslimat.

"This pro-ulama group in the Muslimat are mainly senior members who have repeatedly expressed their dislike on the too-open attitude adopted by the newer members who have a professional background. Fatimah is of course pro-ulama...after all her husband is the ulama chief (Harun Taib). It is an open secret that Wan Hasrina supported Fatimah in the last two party elections," she added.

The activist said that the misunderstanding between the two groups was so bad that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was forced to intervene by asking Hassan to act as a mediator.

"I don't think it went well. In fact, Hassan's role as mediator was the reason why Wan Hasrina rejected his leadership as PAS Selangor commissioner. Apparently, Hasrina got the wrong impression that Dr Hassan is out to demean the ulama leadership," she added.

Blatant disrespect

A woman grassroots leader was confident that there would be head-on fight as Wan Hasrina's ambition to head the Muslimat wing was obvious when she successfully organised a convention for Muslimat Selangor two weeks ago at the party's headquarters in Taman Melewar, Gombak.

"She is flexing her muscle. The convention was to show the strength of her support. It is well known that her Kelantan background is a pulling factor as many members are Kelantanese residing in Selangor," she said.

However, she added that the convention may not be a boon to her after all as it depicts her lack of respect towards Hassan as the state leader as Hassan's absence in the convention 'stuck out like a sore thumb'.

"She deliberately did not invite Hassan. Instead the convention was launched by Senator Hassan (Shukri). Her disrespect is blatant. She also has problems in accepting views from the newer members even though they are as competent as Dr Siti Mariah (Mahmud)," claimed the grassroots leader.

Another division Muslimat leader believes that it would be a tough competition for Wan Hasrina as her disrespect towards Hassan is no longer privy to a few people.

"Dr Hassan called a meeting last weekend and it was obvious that Wan Hasrina's attitude has put him in a difficult position. He had to explain to us why there was lack of coordination between us and state leaders." she said.

"We were shocked to find out that our leader (Wan Hasrina) did not submit reports on our activities until recently!"

"We all know she somewhat disagreed with Dr Hassan's appointment as state leader. But we are so disappointed that she allowed her personal feelings to cloud her responsibilities as our leader."

These allegations however could not be confirmed as PAS Selangor liason chief Norman Taha declined to comment, saying it was an internal issue.

A seasoned party worker urged Lo' Lo' to seriously consider contesting if Kalthom steps down to ensure that the wing continues its progressive development.

"We no longer want a leader that tows the line of the male leaders. Kalthom's leadership has been very positive as she is open minded, receptive of new ideas and does not place seniority too highly. I fear that leaders like Wan Hasrina would spoil the ongoing progressive mood," she said.

'It's slander'

These fears may be premature as Wan Hasrina when contacted said she has no intention to contest for the Muslimat's top post as up to now.

"Personally I have no desire to contest. Unlike other political parties, we in PAS do not clamour for top posts because they come with heavy responsibilities," said the kindergarten operator.

However, she was quick not to dismiss the idea entirely stating that positive feedback from her close friends coupled with overwhelming nominations could her stand.

She profusely denied the allegations that she does not support Dr Hassan stating that her disagreement with the leader had been grossly exaggerated.

"We may have different opinions but that is normal as he (Hassan) may see a different view than that of the Muslimat. But we are not enemies. To say that I alienated him from Muslimat activities is fitnah (slander). "

She also negated the view that she is pro-ulama, claiming she gives full support to the top leadership as elected by PAS delegates.

"I am not from a religious education background. I am not an ulama by profession. Why should I favour them over the others. To me they are the same level. I support them as long as we share a common struggle that benefits Islam and Muslims. "

As to the allegations that she is uncomfortable with new members that are given high posts, she replied: "No I don't have anything against new members. As long as they understand the party's tradition and practice I am fine with them."

"New members should not be overly anxious to hold high positions. They must go through the normal process before their capabilities can be recognised. I am not directing this at anyone. This is just an advice," she added.

Meanwhile, another grassroots leader believes that a crisis in the Muslimat can be avoided if the men refrained from meddling as they did in 2001.

"Things got heated up the last time as there were concerted efforts made by the men to ensure that Jamilah did not win as she was constantly debating with certain leaders during the central working committee meetings then.

"She (Jamilah) did not want to tow the men's line and was very vocal. Despite harsh criticisms, she stood her ground and that drove some old guards to engineer a concerted effort to ensure she did not win. She lost to Fatimah by only 10 votes.

"I am confident if these chauvinist leaders butt out, the Muslimat would be mature enough to make an intelligent choice in electing their leader," she said.