The contrast between the old and new guard was reflected in opening speeches of PAS' leaders at their muktamar (general assembly) of the party's Youth wing by the different advice issued from the podium.

The former was represented by outgoing PAS Youth chief Mahfuz Omar, the other by the party's spiritual head Nik Aziz Nik Mat, also fondly known as the tok guru .

PAS Youth's fiery enthusiasm to face future challenges and indignation at the "failures of the Umno/Barisan Nasional government" were tempered by the Kelantan chief minister who soberly advised the wing's new leadership to study the past, as well as to strengthen themselves internally.

In no uncertain words, Mahfuz spoke, in steadily rising decibel, for over an hour of the failures of the Umno-led government.

From the leadership changes of the various BN coalition partners, claims of corruption, disastrous socio-economic policies, breakdown of the educational system, to questions of human rights, national sovereignty and religious transience, Mahfuz spared no area of the political arena that could be attacked.

His warnings to the ruling coalition were barely veiled as he alluded to the fall of governments elsewhere in the region to 'people's power'.

"Just as the people of Japan, (South) Korea, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia around us did not tolerate their corrupt governments, the people of Malaysia are also prepared to affect changes," warned Mahfuz, who is vying for the party vice-president post.

His speech, delivered last night, was met with resounding applause and cheers that resonated beyond the walls of the hall at PAS' headquarters in Taman Melewar, Gombak.

Tok Guru's small frame

Nik Aziz, in contrast, began in a voice barely audible, his small frame barely visible behind the podium.

It initially sounded as if he were about to speak to an audience in a small mosque, and the faithful were only able to see his face clearly with the aid of the large-screen behind him.

It is only by looking back in retrospect and constant self-strengthening that the young can bear and face the challenges of the future, he said.

"The pillar of the party as a whole is the Youth movement, but pillars themselves require a strong inner core that could withstand whatever stresses are placed upon them.

"That inner core is your faith, and it is only your faith that can determine whether you will persevere in the face of the tremendous pressures and challenges that you will confront," Nik Aziz told PAS members last night.

The audience was considerably quieter when he ended half an hour after he began.

With his address, the general assembly was formally officiated and continued today with elections to the wing's top positions and executive committee.

New Youth chief

The wing's assembly today elected the new leadership of PAS Pemuda (Youth) for the next three years - most of the line-up was the result of many of the key players rising to their posts uncontested or as a result of other candidates pulling themselves out.

Sallahuddin Ayub, formerly deputy-chief ( second from right ), was sole candidate to remain as nominee to the Youth chief post and was thus confirmed in his position.

Idris Ahmad became the wing's deputy-chief after formerly holding the position of vice-chief, of which position is now filled by Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki. The latter held the post of the wing's secretary.

Husin Ismail remained in his post as permanent chairman since assuming the position in 2001.

The other positions, including 12 executive council members and auditors are to be decided by the ballot, the results of which will be announced later tonight.

The PAS muktamar will continue tomorrow with the meeting of the party's muslimat (women's wing) and this is followed by party elections for key leadership posts on Saturday.

The assembly will end on Sunday.