The contest for the PAS deputy presidency will see a straight fight between incumbent Mohamad Sabu and Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, who is currently the deputy menteri besar of Kelantan.

This was confirmed by Mohd Amar when contacted by Malaysiakini after it was learned that the current party information chief, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, will not be vying for the No 2 post.

NONEPAS delegates will now have a stark choice of either voting for Mohamad Sabu, who is seen close to the professionals within the Islamic party, and an ulama, Mohd Amar (right).  

The entry of Tuan Ibrahim in the battle for the party No 2 would have split the ulama votes, thus benefitting Mohamad Sabu.

Another potential challenger, PAS vice-president Husam Musa, has dropped out at the last minute, which again will help Mohamad Sabu in his bid to defend his post.

At the vice-president level, only Tuan Ibrahim and Abu Bakar Chik - both religious scholars - have announced their candidacy while the three incumbents, including Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub, are still tight-lipped.

The central leadership polls will be be from Nov 22-24.

Hadi's son vs Nik Aziz's son?

NONEMeanwhile, at the Youth level, Muhamad Khalil Abdul Hadi (right), who is the son of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, is speculated to be eyeing the PAS Youth deputy chief spot

If he does take up the challenge, he could go up against incumbent PAS Youth deputy chief Nik Abduh Nik Aziz - son of PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat-at the Nov 21 polls.

Nik Abduh, however, has not said if he will defend the post.

Of the five challengers qualified to go for the position, insiders believe only Muhamad Khalil and incumbent vice-president Raja Ahmad Iskandar Raja Yaacob will sign on for the race.

All nominees must decide whether to contest by today, while the official candidates list is expected to be announced tomorrow.