PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s announcement of the party’s various state commissioners yesterday, which did not include Penang, raises the possibility that a new chief is in the cards.

The potential for a change of leadership in Penang was imminent when a group of local PAS leaders dropped a bombshell during a press conference on Nov 19 in Seberang Jaya, threatening to review the party’s relationship with its Pakatan Rakyat allies - DAP and PKR.

Led by state deputy commissioner Mohamed Fauzi Yusof, the group alleged that there had been interference from the state government in the party’s decision to appoint its representatives in state agencies and government-linked companies.

NONE When contacted, PAS deputy president Mohammed Sabu ( right ) said the decision to name the person to take up the post of Penang’s PAS commissioner, which is currently held by Salleh Man, will only be made in two weeks.

Mat Sabu, as he is affectionately known, was cautious not to spill the beans on whether Salleh would be replaced, despite the grassroots expressing its wish for a “firmer” leader to face DAP and PKR.

When asked, Mat Sabu merely replied, “There may be a reshuffle but we are not sure yet as this is the president’s decision.”

penang pas announce candidate 100413 07 salleh man Salleh ( left ) himself was more evasive but it is apparent that he is  bracing for the eventuality of change.

Asked why was there a delay in announcing the state party commisioner, Salleh said, “Maybe the party is still looking for the best person (to hold the post).”

The sole PAS assemblyperson (for Permatang Pasir) said he has not met Abdul Hadi to discuss the matter, adding that he was uncertain if the delay had anything to do with his colleagues’ outburst two weeks ago.

When told that there may be a new face helming the state leadership, Salleh said, “ Bagus juga (it’s good, also)”.

He denied that he was mulling giving up the post, adding “it is the prerogative of the president to decide who to lead”.

A highly-placed source within the state PAS leadership said several names have been proposed to replace Salleh.

Due to this, Abdul Hadi or other top leaders will be meeting the various grassroots leaders to decide on the “right person” to lead Penang PAS.

Names which have been dropped include Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa, state PAS secretary Mohd Noor Harun and Penaga coordinator Roshidi Hussain.

‘The chosen one will be someone who can be firm’

The source said the chosen one would be someone who can be firm and able to strengthen PAS’ position in Penang in view of GE14, which is slated for not later than 2018.

Most crucial is that he must also be able to work with the Penang government led by DAP’s Lim Guan Eng and the Islamic Affairs state executive councillor, PKR’s Abdul Malik Kassim.

The source said while the glamorous Mujahid, with his inter-faith stance, makes him likeable to DAP and PKR, this may not go down so well with some quarters in PAS who mistake his efforts as preaching ‘pluralism’ in religion, which he has vehemently denied.

Roshidi, a lawyer by profession and a friendly and humble character, is acceptable to PAS’ allies in Pakatan and comes across as a religious person, but his absence from the controversial press conference in Seberang Jaya indicates that he may not be aligned to the group that wants a change in leadership.

So that leaves us with Mohd Noor, whose obvious presence at the press event which took the state government to task, did not endear him to Pakatan allies, may place him in a challenging position when he wants to negotiate for better prospects for his party.

Whoever he may be, Bayan Baru PAS chief Iszuree Ibrahim said the state is in need of a “firm” leader in view of the demands the party’s grassroots raised in Seberang Jaya.

“We need someone who will not only bring strength (kekuatan) to PAS in Penang but to Pakatan as well,” said the Penang municipal councillor.

“However, we will accept whoever the president chooses for us. We will respect his decision even if he appoints Salleh Man again,” said Iszuree, who is also the state liaison committee secretary II, and head of the party’s land rights committee in Penang.