Even if PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang were to follow through with his earlier offer not to contest in the next general election, it would carry no significance to the party, pens Utusan Malaysia editor Zulkifee Bakar.

This, he wrote, is because the party's spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat much more influential than Abdul Hadi.

"This is clear when among PAS supporters, they cherish Nik Aziz more than they do Abdul Hadi, which is why there are car stickers, T-shirts, and other souvenirs of the former," he said.

He speculated that the tame reaction from PAS when Abdul Hadi offered not to contest was attributed to the party's members perception that he was not a strong leader.

"Maybe for them, PAS does not stand to lose or gain anything if Abdul Hadi withdraws, seeing that he is not strong in Terengganu or influential enough nationally."

‘Overshadowed by spiritual leader’

He adds that all this while, PAS fame is a result of Nik Abdul Aziz's actions and not Abdul Hadi's, as the former has overshadowed him.

However, he pens that the party wants Abdul Hadi to stay on as there are no other ulamas candidates that is able to take over his position.

"If we look at PAS' leadership, Abdul Hadi is the only ulama while the deputy president and vice presidents are held by professionals," he said.

He adds that the ulamas in the party are being increasingly sidelined, and this may have been one of the reasons Abdul Hadi had offered to withdraw.

Furthermore, he said, as long as PAS cooperates with DAP and PKR, Abdul Hadi's decision to contest or not in the next general election would have no significance for the party.

Last month, Abdul Hadi made public his intention not to contest in the next general election, but reversed the decision at the urging of Nik Abdul Aziz and Pakatan Rakyat leaders.