As the dust settles on the PAS by-election victory in Sungai Limau yesterday, the party is setting its eyes on its own internal elections on Nov 21.

While the post of party president held by Abdul Hadi Awang unchallenged, the spotlight is on PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, who will be defending his position against several possible challengers.

Four other NONEcandidates have been nominated to contest for deputy president, namely current PAS vice-presidents Salahudin Ayub and Husam Musa (left), party information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

Speculation about an effort by ulama groups to oust Mat Sabu has fuelled talk that the deputy president position will see a heated contest.

The ulama groups are said to be lobbying for the post to be taken by one from among their ranks.

Mat Sabu's position became even more precarious when PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat was reportedly to have said that the party's No 2 should be an ulama.

However, Nik Aziz has denied saying so, and even Hadi has disclaimed any attempt to dislodge his deputy.

Despite the negative publicity that Mat Sabu has suffered, recent developments suggest that his chances of retaining his position - though riddled with challenges - has improved.

NONETo date, two nominees Salahuddin and Husam, seen as progressives, have not declared their intent to challenge him and are widely expected to defend their current posts of vice-president.

The other incumbent vice-president, Mahfuz Omar (right), is also expected to defend his post.

Similarly, Tuan Ibrahim and Mohd Amar, who carry the banner for the ulama, have also not revealed whether they are prepared to take on Mat Sabu.

Based on trends in the previous two party elections, leaders who declare their candidacy at the last minute tend to have a hard time winning as they are perceived to be opportunistic.

'Reluctance among ulama candidates'

Tuan Ibrahim's reluctance in challenging Matt Sabu has caused restlessness among the ulama, leading them to nominate a back-up candidate in the form of Mohd Amar.

However, if it turns out that both Tuan Ibrahim and Mohd Amar will take on Mat Sabu, the incumbent leader is likely to have an advantage as the two challenger would well split the ulama votes.

In the last party election, for example, Mat Sabu won the deputy presidency by garnering 420 votes while the ulama votes were split between Tuan Ibrahim (399) and Nasharudin Mat Isa (224).

NONEHowever, sources told Malaysiakini that Tuan Ibrahim (left) and Husam, both of whom were deputy president candidates in past party elections, are not inclined to challenge Mat Sabu.

If this is the case, Nik Amar is likely to go one-on-one against Mat Sabu.

However, Nik Amar, who is part of the Kelantan administration, needs to focus on the state and is seen as an untested candidate at the central level, holding only a central committee member position.

Furthermore, with Nik Amar being a relatively junior candidate for deputy president, and if Husam and Tuan Ibrahim do not go for the post, it is likely that their supporters will back the incumbent.

While the number of nominations is not a clear indicator of strength, it is understood that Tuan Ibrahim and Husam have a significant influence in the party, for they received the highest nominations to go for deputy president.

Sources told Malaysiakini that Tuan Ibrahim is still considering the nomination for the No 2 post, and that he prefers to go for a vice-president position, for which he is more likely to secure a comfortable win.

'Respect for Mat Sabu'

One source said Tuan Ibrahim is a sympathiser of Mat Sabu, who is constantly demonised as a Shiite follower, a Muslim sect that is outlawed in Malaysia.

"He (Tuan Ibrahim) is disappointed as such accusations arise in every election, despite there being no evidence. He has respect for Mat Sabu," said the source.

Sources also told Malaysiakini that Husam is not prepared to go for deputy president once again and that his supporters are prepared to back Mat Sabu.

Husam is expected to formally announce his decision in the next few days, when he returns from abroad.

Party sources said he is reluctant to join the fray as it will complicate the deputy president race and that he does not want to be seen as a spoiler.

Even though Mat Sabu is not an ulama, his ability to work with the Pakatan Rakyat partners of PAS and his fiery speeches have also endeared him to a significant number of delegates.