As talks among political party members revolve around national strategic investment agency, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), all eyes are on the fate of PAS central leadership which will be determined at the party election in June.
This time around, the election is considered the most fierce, especially after candidates have taken their campaigns a few notches higher.
Candidates have opted the social media as a campaign tool in their quest to clinch the top position in the party.
In a rather awkward manner, PAS candidates chose to use the social media platform to smear and even sow dissension between the two camps -- pro-clerical and pro-PR progressive.
PAS election campaign gets heated up as candidates coined terms such as 'DAP Slave' or 'Gang UG' (Unity Government Gang) as their ammunition against leaders contesting in the elections.
The elections will take place during the 61st PAS general assembly (Muktamar PAS 61) from June 4 to 6 in Kuala Lumpur.
'DAP Slave' is a label given to a group of progressive pro Pakatan Rakyat, while the 'Gang of UG' is for pro Ulama.’
The intense heat of the electorate started at the party's 60th conference in Batu Pahat, Johor last year. Sone leaders claimed to have felt the heat they have been 'silently' attacked and boycotted by some quarters within the party.
The bickering reached a critical level after a 'drama' unfolded at the assembly after several PAS representatives stormed out of the hall when PAS deputy president, Mohamad Sabu was delivering his opening speech at the Dewan Pemuda conference.
There were hues and cries over the drama and a segment in the party was said to be deeply unhappy about several rebellious PAS members who are seen as unsupportive of president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
The latter was quoted as saying that leaders will be 'killed' in a clash for power within the party.
Inevitably, the incident is a clear indication that there will be a fierce battle at this year's election.
Since party wing meeting took place this year, many can already predict the make up of both groups -- but in the pro-ulama camp, things are looking up for them -- they seem clearly structured and have managed to gain control over a majority of party wings around the country.
It seems the table has turned. The ideological core seen in some areas (previously controlled by the pro-progressive) -- such as Kubang Pasu, Alor Setar, Padang Serai, Batu and Bukit Bintang -- has morphed into the ideals of those in the ulama camp.
The emergence of young and ambitious ustaz in the party hierarchy has also earned them spots in the candidates’ list.
The focus of existing and upcoming representatives on Abdul Hadi’s leadership is threatened by external and internal elements as well as ulama's leadership survival.
On paper, a leader within a pro-ulama group has surpassed the comfort zone to triumph, while a leader in the progressive group is far behind.
The election this time around is said to be inclined towards block, and if this happens, a major change in the PAS Central Working Committee (CWC) will occur.
The primary concern is the direction of the party after the muktamar. If PAS leadership is dominated by a slew of young ustaz, known as ‘PAS Retro’, what’s left for Pakatan Rakyat, choose to be independent or form a coalition with UMNO?
The other focus is on the defeated group, will they opt to remain silent or to try their luck again in the next round of election, or choose to exit PAS and form a new party? Forming a new political party may seem easy but gaining sufficient support is arguably a Herculean task.
History has proven that, the sore losers will exit the party and form a new one but this move is not the best remedy as fragments of PAS which had gone to form a new party such as Hizbul Muslimin Malaysia (HAMIM).
The party was formed in 1983 by former PAS president, Tan Sri Dr Asri Muda.
The day of reckoning is looming closer. PAS representatives must think of the aspiration of the people than fulfilling the needs of the party in its crusade to dominate PAS CWC.
In one week’s time, Malaysians wait with bated breath of what the outcome will be. Indeed, it will be a critical week for PAS.
Irwan Muhammad Zain
Sat May 30 2015
Another week, Malaysians wait for the wisdom of PAS. -Filepix
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.