PAS will continue to pursue the moderate agenda of its late president Fadzil Noor, acting party president Abdul Hadi Awang said today.

"We will continue with the party's agenda as planned under the leadership of the late president. There will be no change in PAS' outlook," Hadi told malaysiakini .

He added that there will be no change in the party's political orientation and dispelled speculation that the party will adopt a more aggressive stance.

Hadi is widely considered as a more aggressive leader of the Islamic party compared to the moderate Fadzil, who passed away yesterday almost two weeks after undergoing a triple heart bypass.

Under Hadi's leadership, the Terengganu government has come under fire recently for its intention to implement hudud laws in the state. The PAS leader had previously proposed that men and women be segregated in public areas, including supermarket queues, hair salons and swimming pools.

Hadi said the decision to appoint him as acting president was made by the party leadership pending PAS elections next year.

Meanwhile, the PAS leader who has also been tipped to replace the late Fadzil as Opposition Leader in parliament said the matter will be discussed at a party meeting later today.

Heavy responsibility

"This will be left to the party. My position as the menteri besar of Terengganu is already one which carries a heavy responsibility," said Hadi.

In addition, he is also the member of parliament for Marang and the state assemblyperson for Ru Rendang, both in Terengganu.

Asked if he will be effective holding so many posts, Hadi said: "It will depend on the assistance that the party can extend to me."

When contacted, PAS secretary-general Nasharudin Mat Isa said the party is still not very sure about the procedures over the appointment of a new Opposition Leader.

"We will study the matter in depth during our central working committee meeting this evening," he said.

On the next party elections, Nasharudin said it could be held by June 2003.