PAS is confident of winning more power in upcoming elections against a moderate Muslim government which for the first time in 22 years will not be led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

New president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party also held firmly to its aim of turning Malaysia into an Islamic state at the start of a three-day annual assembly focusing on general election, which are widely tipped to be held in early 2004 although not due until the end of the year.