What are PAS incumbent deputy president Mohamad Sabu’s calculations for the coming party leadership elections?

With the anti-goods and services tax rally, of which he was the key organiser, being over, Mohamad is still keeping mum as to whether he will defend his No 2 post in the party.

Asked about this previously, he said the rally, which was held on May Day, was his main focus.

Now, after a four-day lapse, Mohamad, who is affectionately known as Mat Sabu, is still considering his next move in the party leadership contest due next month.

This is despite knowing two months ago that he has become eligible to defend the deputy presidency, the post he has held since 2011.

“I want to think about that first. Now, I’m busy with the Permatang Pauh by-election. If I have an official statement, I will inform Malaysiakini ,” Mat Sabu said when contacted.

Stiff competition from three others

He is currently leading the PAS election machinery for the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Today, the PAS election committee officially announced that Mat Sabu is eligible to defend the deputy presidency that he has held for two terms.

The former Internal Security Act detainee is expected to face stiff opposition from three other PAS leaders.

They are incumbent vice-presidents Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man ( left ) and Husam Musa, besides Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, who Mat Sabu defeated in 2013.

Mat Sabu’s fate will be determined by more than 1,000 delegates at the PAS biennial muktamar (general assembly) that will be held in Kuala Selangor from June 1 to 6.