Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak has withdrawn from the race for PAS deputy presidency as well as vice-presidency at the party's 57th muktamar (annual general assembly) next month.  

Azizan made the decision as he wanted to concentrate on his duties as menteri besar, according to his press secretary Mohd Helmi Mohd Khalid.

However, he said that the menteri besar would be vying for a spot on the party's central working committee.

Azizan was among those who had received nominations to contest the deputy president's post along with incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa, central committee member Mohamad Sabu, vice-president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, vice-president Salahuddin Ayub and former vice-president Husam Musa.

The deputy president’s post is likely to be a three-way contest between Nasharuddin, Mohamad and Tuan Ibrahim.

Salahuddin and Husam had announced that they would not contest the post.

The party's leadership elections are scheduled to take place in Taman Melewar, Kuala Lumpur, from June 3 to 5.

- Bernama