Prolific writer Lutfi Othman will return to his former post as editor-in-chief of PAS organ Harakah , with the decision marking the third editorial change since the party's dismal performance in the 2004 general election.

Harakah chairperson Mustafa Ali ( left ) confirmed the appointment, saying that it will take effect from Feb 1.

Lutfi, who was Harakah editor-in-chief in 1993, will replace Suhaimi Mokhtar, who resigned early last month.

This, however, has created a vacancy for Lutfi's current post as editor of Siasah , a political tabloid closely connected to one of Harakah' s subsidiaries.

Observers said the change is proof that PAS is struggling to devise a formula to boost the party's image, and that it is also indicative of a need to boost Harakah's falling circulation.

They said the party, apparently not impressed with Suhaimi's performance, refused to renew his contract which expired last October. His services have been "renewed" on a monthly basis until his resignation.

Lutfi's (l eft ) appointment also suggested that the party has a limited choice in picking a replacement.

The same faces have been considered every time such a decision had to be made, partly because many of the old guards are not receptive to unfamiliar faces.

However, Mustafa stressed that there was nothing controversial about the new appointment and denied that the move was to appease certain factions who have called for Harakah's editorial policy to be refreshed.

"Suhaimi resigned and we needed someone to fill in the job. Lutfi was chosen because he is the most senior (of the contenders)," he said.

He said that Lutfi's good track record as editor of several pro-opposition tabloids and magazines had simplified the decision making process.

Position unclear

The situation is not as smooth in the operations of online version Harakahdaily where uncertainty hovers over the position of its editor Zulkifli Sulong.

While insiders claimed that the same meeting (which affirmed Lutfi's appointment) had also decided to transfer Zulkifli to the advertising section, party officials have denied the development.

Zulkifli is not new to controversy, having had his post as Harakah editor terminated unceremoniously following complaints about his decision to publish Farish Noor's article on PAS' poor election performance in 2004.

His appointment as the website editor was seen as a "demotion" in many quarters. A source alleged that those still angry over previous mistakes had proposed that he be transferred.

It is learnt that their anger had been rekindled following the website's role in mooting changes which saw many party officials being replaced by young Turks during PAS' last muktamar (annual general assembly).

"His post is apparently to be taken over by Amir Ramadhan, who is in charge of the technical side. Obviously it is not a sound decision. Although Zulkifli's salary as cited as a reason, we all know the truth," said the source who claimed that the transfer letter has been issued to Zulkfili.

A former employee of Harakah claimed that the same faction had also shot down an idea to replace Suhaimi with Zulkifli.

"He was among the contenders to replace Suhaimi. But this proposal was never made when certain factions mentioned Zul's past mistakes," said the former employee.

Proposal rejected

These allegations were completely dismissed by Mustafa who stressed that the Harakahdaily line-up remains in place.

He, however, conceded that there had been a proposal to transfer Zulkifli to the advertising section.

"The suggestion was made...but after we deliberated on this, we decided to allow him to continue as head of the website," he said, declining to divulge the basis of the proposal.

Mustafa also denied that Zulkifli had been among contenders for the Harakah editor's post.

"Right from the start, (Zulkifli) had clearly stated that he was not interested to return to the print version as he was happy developing the website. He was never in the picture...so to say that there was vehement objection to his re-appointment is wrong."

Zulkifli when contacted declined to comment on whether or not he had received the letter but admitted hearing rumours on the proposed transfer.

"I have heard talk but I refuse to react until there is a final decision," he said,

Although he is aware of his 'unpopular standing' in certain quarters, Zulkifli said this does not bother him.

"Yes, I am aware of this. I know some hate me enough to ensure that I have no editorial role. But I have no complaints. It only makes my job more challenging."

New challenges

Meanwhile, Lutfi may face a tough time in setting up a new editorial team as the current deputy editor Shukor Haron is expected to tender his resignation some time this month.

Lutfi will have to ensure that the new deputy's appointment will be approved by all quarters, but he declined comment because "it is too early to say anything".

"I have to meet the board first. I have to know what their expectations are and, from there, make my plans. I expect that a meeting will be arranged before the end of this month."

Zulkifli said he is confident that Lutfi will rise to expectations.

"He is a good journalist and editor. He is very committed and professional as far as journalism is concerned. However this virtue may be a stumbling block as he will deal with politicians who are equally strong in their stance. I wish him luck."