Just days ago, PAS was still a familiar entity to Malaysians. Its outlook was carefully weighted to provide at least a semblance of balance between the conservatives and progressives in the party.

And while it has been pushing for implementation of such policies as the establishment of an Islamic state - even if not at federal level right away - its audience has perhaps felt comforted by the knowledge that negotiation would be factored into the equation.

However, the party's 49 th general assembly last weekend may have tilted the balance, with the shock election of known conservative leader Hassan Shukri ( photo) as the new deputy to president Abdul Hadi Awang - himself branded a hardliner.

Hassan's election created drama in the normally staid election process. Candidates are usually chosen by consensus through a syura (consultative discussion between leaders and candidates) and endorsed by delegates.

This year, there was a three-way contest for the deputy presidency, but this was whittled down to two by withdrawals including that of popular candidate Dr Haron Din.

Then it was Hassan against another favourite, vice-president Mustafa Ali ( photo ) - and Hassan romped home with a majority of 133 after securing 531 votes.

Hassan, a religious scholar, had been a vice-president since 1988, as well as led PAS Selangor for almost a decade.

His election should not have raised eyebrows - he did receive the highest number of nominations for the post - but still seems to have caused a flutter among observers and those members who are prepared to ask tough questions about his likely influence:

- Would it affect the party's careful efforts to break away from its hardline and conservative image?

- Does this mean that the ulama (religious scholars) now control the party's direction?

- How would non-Muslims receive the party in view of the forthcoming general election as PAS strives to expand its political influence?

Hassan's leadership qualities are being assessed all the more closely because he would have to step into Hadi's shoes if the need arises.

Bare denial 'insufficient'

An unruffled Hassan broke into a smile when malaysiakini asked for his response on the perception that he is conservative.

He said: "I don't know how people came to that conclusion. While those outside seem to think I am conservative, people within my jemaah (group) seem to think that I am one of the most open leaders.

"Maybe some have misunderstood my preference to keep a low-profile. I think I am quite an open person. I can, and am willing to, talk to all, irrespective of race and religious belief.

"After all, I was in the team that discussed the formation of the Alliance (precursor of Barisan Nasional, BN) and was also involved in the discussions that led to the formation of BN.

"When PAS made its exit from BN, I was involved again. I have done all that and have no problems with communicating with those outside the party if it benefits everyone."

Party-watchers, however, feel that his bare denial will not be enough to deflect anxieties or to gain the confidence of those outside the party.

They share the impression that Hassan's conservatism and reluctance to change will not help the party to reach out to non-Muslim voters in particular.

Need for makeover

One observer said Hassan needs to do more than just deny allegations to prove that PAS delegates made the right choice when they elected him.

"He should make himself more appealing to all Malaysians. He must be more open to new ideas, expand his realm of knowledge, and enhance his skills in administration and policy-making," he said.

"It is also obvious that he needs a new line of advisers because his current ones appear incapable of being good consultants to him."

Describing Hassan's skill in public administration as "completely lacking", the US graduate said the PAS leader can no longer afford to neglect attention to issues of public interest.

"This is not criticism with malice...but he needs to improve. Look at his performance in Dewan Negara. He has been a senator for almost two terms (six years) now, but not once has he raised a core issue related to the public interest. He must be more public-centred rather than just rely on (playing the) Islamic card alone," he said.

Conceding that Hassan - at 64 - may find it difficult to overcome some obstacles, the observer nonetheless felt that competent assistants may assist him to make the required transition.

A party member concurred, pointing out that Hassan, despite long years of service to PAS, "doesn't have many success stories to tell".

"One of his failures was Kohilal (or the Al-Hilal Co-operative Society) whose investors were mainly PAS members and supporters. In the mid-1990s, he and his team made investments that resulted in the loss of millions of ringgit," he said.

"What angered investors most was that he has refused to step down from Kohilal. On top of that, he backed the people responsible for the botched investments!"

Religious credentials

Given such sentiments, the uninitiated may be excused for asking why Hassan was even nominated in the first place.

A source close to the top leadership said Hassan's ulama status was the trump card.

"If you listened carefully to some delegates (during the general assembly), you would have noticed how the emotional switch was turned on - they went on about the importance of ulama leadership to the party," he said.

"This appealed to those of the older generation, who form the majority of the delegates. They still remember the difficult times when the party was under Datuk Asri Muda's leadership," he said.

(A crisis in the party in the early 1980s saw the mass resignation of leaders including Asri, who was severely criticised for his nationalist stance at a time of global change brought about by the Iranian Revolution, which saw the rise of clerics to power.)

The source said it would be unfair of anyone to say that Hassan's election was an indication of the party's reluctance to change.

"Look at the line-up. Most of the top 10 central committee members are from the new generation (of progressive leaders). Two out of the three vice-presidents are those known to be advocates of change," he pointed out.

"Look at total change to the Dewan Muslimat (women's wing) which is now led by a strong and vocal team. So, the transition is already in progress."

A delegate from Kedah - where there is support for ulama leadership - said Hassan's win should not come as a surprise, considering his undeniable loyalty to the party.

"Mustafa is almost a greenhorn if we compare the years of service the two have put into the party. Hassan has been with the party through thick and thin. It's only fair that he holds the post," he said.

Hassan's history with the party started as early as 1952 while he was studying at Sekolah Agama Yayyawiyyah in Padang Rengas, Perak, where he was later a teacher.

After four years in Baghdad University, Iraq, he returned in 1968 and became actively involved in PAS, working his way up from the youth wing.

He has contested several times in the general elections since 1969 in different constituencies in Selangor, but has never won.

Given this, some PAS members can only hope that their new deputy president accepts criticism with grace, so that his tenure will not be as 'dry' as his election track record.