Mat Sabu downplays deputy presidency win

PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu described the battle between him and Deputy Kelantan Mentri Besar, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, as a mere “friendly fight.”

Mohamad, who was elected as the party’s number two for the second term, said there wasn’t really much to celebrate following his victory.

“We (PAS) are not like our competitors who spend millions to win the deputy presidency, so we don’t really have to celebrate much.

“Winning just by one or two votes is still a win, it doesn’t matter, what’s important is we continue to help the party,” he told newsmen after the official announcement of his re-election at Stadium Melawati here Saturday.

The 59-year-old, known for his public speaking skills, defeated Mohd Amar with a slim 98-vote majority to retain his deputy presidency post. Mohamad or Mat Sabu had garnered 588 votes while Mohd Amar received 490 votes.

Many had, before this, speculated on Mat Sabu losing the post due to him being implicated in various controversies such as the issue of Syiah and his defeat in the 13th General Election earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the winners for PAS’ three vice-president posts would be announced Sunday following a request for recount.