PAS Central Election Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sanusi stated that PAS has never prevented party leaders from contesting the party president and deputy president positions during the party elections in September.
He stated that PAS does not prevent any leader from contesting any position, and any eligible party member can participate in the election.
He mentioned that in past party elections, no candidate voluntarily contested the presidency held by Tan Sri Hadi Awang. The positions of president and deputy president are open for competition, and the party does not prohibit anyone from contesting; it's just that no one volunteered to run for these positions.
Sanusi said this during a press conference after attending the Kedah State Land Office handover ceremony on Thursday.
Sanusi stated that PAS has never stipulated that the highest positions within the party cannot be contested. PAS has no restrictions and no directives; anyone willing to contest can participate.
“Perhaps there are potential candidates, but they may not dare (or are embarrassed) to challenge the current president.”
The 70th PAS General Assembly will be held in September this year in Kedah. Political analyst Ahmad Zaharuuldin stated on January 31 that PAS needs a new strategy to face future political challenges, especially in aiming to win the 16th General Election.
He said it is time for Hadi Awang to take on a new role, such as becoming an advisor, rather than remaining as the party president.
He added that PAS needs to reform its leadership by combining the older generation of leaders with young leaders as part of the party's new strategy.