INTERVIEW The sole PAS assemblyperson in Penang, Salleh Man, is ready to quit as head of the Islamist party in the state following the outburst by grassroots members over state government interference in the party's appointment of candidates to state agencies and government-linked companies.

However, Salleh denied that the outburst was the reason for his departure, saying a leadership change in Penang PAS was timely, as he has held the post for eight years.

"I am the longest serving state PAS commissioner in Malaysia," Salleh told Malaysiakini in an interview at the state legislative assembly on Friday.

Salleh said his replacement, to be announced on Tuesday, was in keeping with what had taken place in the other states, such as Johor, Perlis, Perak and Selangor, where the state PAS heads, some of whom had served for just two years, have been replaced.

"I don't want people to say that I am leaving the post because the members do not want me," Salleh said.

"Even as I leave, I am confident that I have built up the party in Penang. A new leadership is needed to continue the PAS agenda here. Perhaps my successor can do a better job than me," he added.

"No matter who is my replacement, I will cooperate and help the person with his tasks. I will still be around to contribute to the betterment of society, and I will be focussing more on my constituency," stressed the first time state representative.

Mujahid Yusuf Rawa to take over?

Speculation is rife that one of the PAS leaders likely to take over is Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa (right), who has deep family and political roots in Penang.

Salleh, 59, has a myriad of experiences, which he says will come in handy as he charts his future plans. That includes being a businessman, building contractor, educationist and a public speaker on politics.

However, to avoid the danger of being seen as favouring certain individuals, the ever cautious Salleh said he has not proposed or recommended anyone to take his place, preferring to leave that task to the PAS central leadership.

"Let me leave when things are good. Let there be no black spots to mar my leadership. I have been around when not many supported the party. I am happy to be leaving now with support for PAS having  grown over the years, while the BN’s votes are getting lesser with every election," he said, smiling.

Salleh appeared unfazed about leaving his state post, though he will continues to be the president of the Penang Islamic Council (MAIPP), a position that brings him close to Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abdul Rahman Abbas, who oversees Islamic matters in the state.

It is learnt that he will be reappointed to the post for another term when his current term ends on Dec 31.

Through this, Salleh gets to work closely with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and state executive councillors on Islamic affairs Abdul Malik Kassim, who executes the various policies and programmes for Muslims.

But what kind of leader does PAS need to carry on with its work in Penang, where the party jointly rules the state with DAP and PKR?

"Many want to be the leader, but to lead is not as easy a task as we think," he said.

Salleh is leaving at a time when several local leaders, led by his own deputy Mohd Fauzi Yusof, have threatened to quit their government posts and review the party's position in Pakatan if they are not given a greater say in the running of the state.

‘I’m just the middle man...’

Salleh tried to distance himself from the public outburst that has irked Lim, saying he has settled the issue and that the chief minister is satisfied with the outcome.

"I am just the middle man. I'm the one who gets the scolding while the others are spared, and can keep their image intact," he lamented.

Inspite of this, the Pakatan trio have yet to sit together to talk things out, like what brothers-in-arms are supposed to do. In fact, the state Pakatan parties have not had a meeting since the May 5 general election.

"A meeting will clear the air. It's not that we are saying we want this or that, that is not our goal. But we are in Pakatan together as ruling partners in Penang, we need to meet and discuss about things as a family," he said.

Yet, Salleh denies that PAS is at loggerheads with its partners, dismissing such speculation

as "only a perception".

It does not help that there are rumours of him being offered to jump ship, especially after being seen at a meeting with Penang head of state Abdul Rahman in September, at which Umno state liaison chief Zainal Abidin Osman was also present.

Zainal had met Abdul Rahman to hand over a memorandum on alleged irregularities in the election of local mosque committees, which Abdul Malik has vehemently denied.

Salleh laughed as he said that most of his family members were in Umno, such as Pinang Tunggal assemblyperson Roslan Saidin, who is his cousin.

He strongly condemns the rumours as "lies and slander" about him.

"I will never join Umno. I will be with PAS, forever. Our ideologies differ in many ways," said a firm Salleh, who joined the Islamist party in 1986, right after graduating from Universiti Malaya.

He claims close ties with PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu and Kedah state commissioner Mahfuz Omar, saying that they have weathered many storms together and still remained in the party when others have left.

Since graduation, Salleh contested in general elections several times under the PAS ticket - thrice in Sungai Dua, then in Permatang Berangan, Pinang Tunggal and the Tasek Gelugor parliament seat.

He never won until he contested in the Permatang Pasir by-election in 2008.

No personal interests

"I don't have any personal interests or else I would have joined Umno a long time ago. In those days, Umno was riding high, I would have been a state exco or MP, or better still deputy minister, if not a full fledged minister," he said.

"My heart knows what Umno really is and I will not join them as there is the spirit of struggle within me which makes me strong, despite all the challenges," he added.

"But I dislike fighting with Umno although I know they are cruel and they do not help their own ummah (Muslim brethen)," he said, citing the case of the Kelantanese being denied the benefits of the oil royalty by the BN-led federal government.

He prefers to focus on how to develop and improve Penang, saying that Umno chooses to fight with Pakatan to attract media publicity.

And how does PAS intend to help develop Penang and improve the lives of Penangites?

"We need to win more seats in Penang, which is why our theme this time is "Rahmat (Blessings) for All", regardless of race or religion," he explained.

"That is why Pakatan must meet (as a coalition), not only to get to know one another, but also to discuss seat allocations. It should start now and not wait until the next general election is close, when there will be a lot of arguments," he added.

PAS grudgingly fielded candidates in only two parliamentary and three state seats in 2008 and in the 13 general election of May 5, while DAP took 19 state seats, and PKR 16.

"It is not easy to satisfy our grassroots members and supporters. They are on the ground, doing the work and they insist on more seats. All we can do is to discuss it."

With Salleh leaving the post, it now falls on the new Penang PAS leader to iron out the creases between the party and the state government, including DAP and PKR.

Indeed, the new leader must be a firm personality, who will be able to stand up to friends and foes alike.