Ex-religious teacher Kalthom Othman yesterday defeated incumbent Fatimah Zainab Ibrahim to lead PAS Muslimat (women's wing).

Kalthom polled 118 votes in a straight fight with Fatimah who led the women's wing for one term. However, the number of votes Fatimah obtained was not made known.

The results of the Muslimat election at the PAS 49 th Muktamar were announced by the wing's chairperson Nur Hashimah Deraman.

Kalthom, a two-term senator from Kelantan, is known as a "moderate and open" leader and with her background, is expected to portray a more moderate image for the women's wing.

Her leadership will be strengthened by her new deputy Dr Lo' Lo' Mohd Ghazali who obtained 139 votes to defeat Nuridah Mohd Salleh for the wing's second top post.

The new vice head is Azizah Khatib Mohamad who defeated Rosiah Mohd Salleh.

Persistent woman

Political secretary to the Kelantan Mentri Besar, Anual Bakhri Haron told malaysiakini that Kalthom is expected to lead the women's wing with new vigour and strength that is needed to attract the younger generation.

"She is a very persistent person. She believes in what she says and will fight for what she believes. I am sure she will lead the wing to greater heights," he said.

Anual, who said he had the privilege to work with Kalthom while she was a senator, described Kalthom's victory as an acknowledgement of the pressing need for PAS Muslimat to appeal to younger women.

"The women's wing has to be seen to be more vibrant and relevant...otherwise the leaders can be displaced easily," he cautioned.

But Anual was also full of praise for the new team, saying that Kalthom and Lo' Lo' would be able to address women issues vocally with little reservation.

"I am confident they will rise to the occasion. This is also a test for the team. The new leaders have to work hard in order to prove to the grassroots - both professionals and kampung folks - that they are better leaders," he said.

Unite the women's wing

Asked if the new team will not "fall out of favour" with the factions who favour less moderate women leaders, Anual said: "The change (to a moderate leadership) is only a matter of time. Most of us received the national-type school education. So most of us prefer moderate leaders who are not afraid to make mistakes and speak their mind without causing any disrespect. So I think, with God's will, they will be able to unite all members in the wing."

Meanwhile, a party observer closed to the top leadership, described Kalthom- Lo' Lo' team as a "nice surprise"

"It was difficult to read their (Muslimat) minds. But in general, the top leaders welcome the new team and they know that they will do a lot of good for the party," he said.

He also described the new appointments as "bad news" for Umno especially their wanita wing.

"This is a team with fighting spirit. They are not timid. They are strong and they work hard. They will not play second fiddle to the Umno women leaders," he added.

The other 12 committee members elected are: Aiman Athirah Al Jundi, Amizen Baharuddin, Fatimah ismail, Mastura Mohd, Dr Halimah Ali Abdullah, Nurul Huda Yusof, Rosnah Abdullah, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, Senator Siti Zailah Mohd Yusof, Wan Hasrina Wan Hassan and Zuraida Husin.