Political analysts are delighted with the prospect of PAS undergoing a reform towards adopting a liberal and moderate approach. How far is this true, though?

The party's 'ulama' council that comprises 11 members is still there, to be a watchdog and policy maker. Who elected these members? Definitely not ordinary PAS members as the recent 'muktamar agung' was only to elect the executives.

The positions in the 'ulama' council are by appointment. Appointment by whom? The party's president and 'Murshidul Am'? Whatever it is, it is not done through a democratic process.

PAS's administration style aspires to be like that of Iran where the 'ulama' council has the power to veto the decision of the executives, or even remove any executive that they perceive to be not serving their (Islamic) interests.

Haji Abdul Hadi Awang and Nik Aziz Nik Mat who are party executives ie, president and chief minister respectively, are also members of the PAS 'ulama' council. Powerful positions indeed.

But is it not a surprise that a president of a political party that lost big in the last general election not only not resign but also remain unchallenged in his post. Is this a PAS undergoing a reform and embracing democracy?

Hadi's call for Anwar Ibrahim to head the opposition coalition may be a strategic move, but what does it say about his own calibre? PAS is the biggest opposition party in Malaysia and Hadi should have the confidence and charisma to lead the opposition in the Parliament and at the national level.

But is this Hadi, who has indirectly admitted to his limitations, who is still the unchallenged president of PAS.