The PAS general assembly in November is expected to be a stormy affair with several factions scrambling to dominate the leadership as the party loosens its hard stand on Umno.

On one side is the Kelantan faction, headed by PAS vice president Husam Musa, that is known for its close affiliation with PKR de facto chief Anwar Ibrahim.

Over in Terengganu, is the faction headed by party president Abdul Hadi Awang and secretary-general Mustafa Ali, who are conservatives but pragmatic when it comes to change for political expediency.

NONE The conservatives have been fighting a rear-guard action against the onslaught of the pro-Anwar faction. They failed in 2009 when then deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa lost his post to Mohamed Sabu.

The Youth wing has emerged as a third faction. Dissatisfied with the verbal spat between PAS and DAP over several issues on Islam, they have called on the party to stick to its original struggle.

Although at loggerheads, these factions have managed to keep their differences in check during the recent general election and project a good relationship with both DAP and PKR.

However the "close ties" with their Pakatan Rakyat partners seem to be waning post-general election, with PAS distancing themselves from on-going opposition rallies to protest alleged election fraud and vote buying.

Despite needing and winning the Chinese votes, the conservatives are still inclined to advocate Malay dominance in the Malaysian landscape.

- The Malay Mail