After his controversial remarks, Hadi ditches PAS programmes

After his controversial remarks during a dialogue session in Rusila on Friday, PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has drawn away from the public eye and failed to show up at three PAS programmes.

He was also absent during a PAS Selangor gathering today where he was scheduled to present his winding-up speech, but was later replaced by the party’s vice-president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Abdul Hadi was also a no-show during a PAS programme in Bangi on Saturday night and again he failed to turn up during the PAS Central Committee meeting this morning.

Reports said he is currently out of the country.

On Friday Abdul Hadi had said the reason behind PAS’ rejection of PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the new Selangor menteri besar was because he was incapable of shouldering the post.

He stressed the rejection had nothing to do with the Kajang state assemblyman’s gender, but rather because she had failed to meet the conditions required of a good leader.

Abdul Hadi’s comments had drawn the ire of certain quarters, especially from PKR.

The party’s Wanita Information chief Azura Aziz had also questioned Abdul Hadi’s integrity in choosing a candidate for the Selangor MB post.

PKR’s Youth wing were also not happy with the remarks and urged Abdul Hadi to retract his statement.

But there were also those who supported his sentiments, among them the PAS Syura Council and also the party’s former vice-president, Datuk Dr Hasan Ali.

The PAS Syura Council feels that it is under no obligation to support Wan Azizah as the new Selangor MB even if it is proven that she is capable and has the required experience for the job.

PAS deputy spiritual leader, Datuk Dr Haron Din said, Wan Azizah does not have the require criteria to hold such an important post in Selangor.

He also feels that PKR and DAP should respect the decision made by PAS, which was reached based on Islam.

Apart from that, Dr Hasan said, he did not want the post to be managed from “long distance” by a hidden hand.