PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat and president Abdul Hadi Awang are likely to contest in the coming general election as the party's grassroots are in full support.

NONE Hadi ( left ), who earlier expressed intentions of not contesting, today said he still preferred to focus on prepping the party for polls, but the final decision was with the party.

"I have been a state assemblyman for 30 years and a parlimentarian for more than 10 years, so I hope I can be given more time to focus on the party this time," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after chairing the PAS central committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

PAS secretary Mustafa Ali, who was sitting beside him, immediately responded by saying, "But the party decision is, we won't allow that to happen."

The comment drew chuckles from the two, and PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu.

When asked whether Abdul Hadi will defend his Rhu Rendang state seat and Marang parliament seat, Mohamad Sabu was non-committal, saying if it was "suitable".

Abdul Hadi also announced that the party is now in election mode and it expects polls to be called any time soon.

It however remains unclear if the party's two top leaders, who had led many election campaigns in the past, will still call the shots this time.

Nik Aziz ground support strong

Abdul Hadi added that in the case of Nik Aziz there has been strong lobbying from Kelantan PAS and the people.

NONE He said although Nik Aziz has “said many times" that he would like to retire, he has received strong objection from within and outside of the party.

He also denied that Kelantan does not have a qualified candidate to replace  the long-serving MB.

"This is not true. (Nik Aziz, right ) has been assisted by so many (exco members), some of whom still hold a position in the state government  today.

"It is impossible to not have a successor candidate after so many years," said Hadi.