PAS today unanimously rejected its president Abdul Hadi Awang’s announced intention of not contesting in the forthcoming general election.

The decision was made at the Islamist party’s political bureau meeting yesterday.

pakatan convention alor setar abdul hadi awang “Abdul Hadi ( right ) has agreed to comply with the decision and he will contest either a state or parliamentary seat in the coming election,” party information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said in a statement.

He said PAS agreed with the views aired by its spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who had said the struggle for Islam is not limited to a certain time-frame but until the end of a person’s life.

"A person’s post may change, but PAS still needs Abdul Hadi to lead the party. Pakatan Rakyat leaders have also relayed similar statements wanting the president to lead Pakatan," said Tuan Ibrahim.

"We believe in Abdul Hadi’s charisma, leadership and good standing to lead the party. As the international Islamic movement also has confidence in his leadership, in the face of problems faced by Islamic countries, Abdul Hadi is a respected Muslim leader in this century."

 

With this announcement, the issue of Abdul Hadi not contesting in the general election is not seen as a problem anymore.

Nik Aziz 'wanted to quit politics'

Abdul Hadi’s intention, Tuan Ibrahim said, showed his humility and high Islamic character. In PAS, a post is not for someone to compete, but is a responsibility and is held in trust.

“Islam has taught us not to chase for a post. It also teaches us not to run away when the congregation piles a lot of hope and still needs his leadership,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

NONE Abdul Hadi had said last month that he was not willing to contest in the coming general election.

However, Pakatan leader Anwar Ibrahim and Nik Aziz have advised the PAS president to change his mind.

Meanwhile, according to Bernama , Nik Aziz today revealed that he had wanted to withdraw from politics but the idea was rejected by Kelantan PAS.

"I want to let out a personal secret of not wanting to contest in the general election anymore, but was rebuffed by Kelantan PAS. That is why I am still in politics until today," he was quoted as saying after delivering a lecture in Kota Bharu.

The Kelanta menteri besar was earlier asked for his opinion on Hadi's intention of not contesting in the coming 13th general election to make way for any suitable echelon leader.