PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa today confirmed that he will be defending his post in the June party polls based on the encouraging number of nominations he has received so far.

pas muktamar 130610 nasharuddin mat isa 1 "Yes, I'll be defending the deputy presidency which means that I'll be standing for the third term," he told Bernama when contacted.

The member of parliament for Bachok became the party's deputy president in 2005.

He defended the post at the party polls held during its 55th muktamar (annual general meeting) in 2009 with 480 votes, defeating Husam Musa (281 votes) and Mohamad Sabu (261 votes).

Nasharudin said: "My decision is made in the spirit of continuing the party's preparations for the 13th general election which may be held in the middle of next year or at the end of this year," he added.

He is expected to be challenged by PAS central committee member, Mohamad Sabu, who had offered to stand for the post.

"I'm game for it. I've faced a three-cornered fight before," said Nasharudin.

- Bernama