The 55th PAS Muktamar kicked off this morning with the arrival of the party's spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat leading the delegation of VIPs that included president Abdul Hadi Awang and deputy spiritual leader Dr Abdul Haron Din.

pas muktamar 55 agm 050609 08 Also present were all top party leaders.

A total of 1,044 delegates started arriving since early this morning to the indoor Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam.

Some 2,000 observers are also taking part at the meeting.

Members from the component Pakatan Rakyat party such as PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang were also present.

pas muktamar 55 agm 050609 02 Among the VIP were former Umno leader Zaid Ibrahim and national laureate A Samad Said.

Abdul Hadi policy address is expected to touch on international issues, economy, teaching of science and mathematics in English, local politics and the direction of the party's co-operation with other Pakatan parties.

With the theme of "Islam leads to change", the three day gathering would focus on the party's directions.

Today would also see the delegates casting their votes to determine the leadership of the party.

Abdul Hadi retained his post without a contest. He has been at helm since 2002.

Results to be known later today

pas muktamar 55 agm 050609 07 With that, the focus would be on the deputy presidency which would pit incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa in a three-cornered fight with vice-presidents Husam Musa and Mohammad Sabu.

The vice-presidency would also see a five-way contests between Salahuddin Ayob, Mahfuz Omar, Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, Nik Mohd Amar Abdullah and Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Another 24 working committee posts are also up for grab with party members casting their votes this afternoon.

Results will be announced tomorrow.