The PAS party election results would not affect the party's crucial preparations for the Manek Urai by-election scheduled next month, said the party's election director Mustafa Ali.

When approached by the press, Mustafa said the party was well-prepared to defend the seat as it is a PAS stronghold.

"There will not be any problems as the party had closed ranks. The party members will remain united in defending the seat," he said.

pas muktamar 55 general assembly 060609 05 At the end of the muktamar, all 1,044 delegates from 176 divisions, were seen shaking hands with the PAS leaders in a show of solidarity, forgetting the animosity in campaigning for party posts.

Yesterday's party elections saw PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s protege, Husam Musa, defeated in his bid for the deputy president’s post.

Similarly, another leader who is regarded as Nik Aziz's successor, Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, was also not selected for one of the three vice-president posts.

Both Husam and Nik Mohd Amar are from Kelantan, and it would be interesting to see if their loss would result in a backlash in the by-election campaign.

By-election's preparations to be different

Husam garnered 281 votes against incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa who captured 480 votes to win the deputy presidency. Popular orator Mohammad Sabu was third with 261 votes.

Nik Mohd Amar was fourth in the vice-presidency contests which was eventually won by Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Salahuddin Ayub and Mahfuz Omar.

The Manek Urai assembly seat fell vacant following the death of its assemblyperson Ismail Yaacob, following a heart attack.

The latest election roll, as of May 22, showed that there are 12,293 voters, including 25 postal voters, in Manek Urai.

Of these, 99.22 per cent were Malays, Chinese (0.46 per cent) and Indians (0.23 per cent).

Earlier, in his speech Mustafa said PAS leaders will meet on June 13 for the party to work out its preparation for the by-election.

He remarked that this by-election's preparations is different from others like Kuala Terengganu and Bukit Gantang where the party divisions are required to handle their own logistics.

Kelantan PAS, he says, has agreed to give its commitment to provide food and drinks to party workers.