Instead of consolidating with Umno, PAS should aspire to win over the people who supported Umno, said PAS vice-president Husam Musa today.

kuala terengganu by election 160109 husam musa In a statement which was published on siasahdaily.com, Husam said PAS can do this by concentrating on the next general election and win seats held by its rival Umno.

"This means competition would be more critical between PAS and Umno and if PAS manages to bag victory in seats that are held by Umno representatives, only then can PAS become the main anchor party in the future," he added.

Husam felt that if the party leadership can engage in a dialogue with Umno, “there is no reason for me not contest with others who are going for the top positions in the party.”

“However, as far as I know, PAS has never officially expressed its intention to share powers with the current (BN) administration.

“Therefore, the wiser direction for PAS, would be to strengthen the party and reach for support in areas that are controlled by Umno,” he said.

Approach the grassroots

Husam is yet to confirm if he would be going for the party's deputy presidency against incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa, who has held the post for two consecutive terms in the upcoming party polls in June.

Husam said that he wants to approach the grassroots and determine the reasons they have nominated him for the post.

He added that he would contact the divisions that gave him the nominations and if their reasons are valid, he would consider contesting.

As of now, the Salor state assemblyperson has already received two nominations, the required minimum to run for the post. He is speculated to garner more nominations from the 14 PAS division in Kelantan.

Husam's candidacy has generated much interest due to the so-called battle between the ‘pro-Pakatan Rakyat' faction which Husam is aligned to versus the ‘pro-muzakarah' faction, linked to Nasharuddin which wants closer ties with Umno.

This however has been repeatedly denied by party leaders who claim that it is rumours spread by their political rivals.