MUKTAMAR An emotionally charged dispute about PAS Youth's 2013 annual general assembly report saw the wing's permanent chairperson Kamal Ashaari break down and he was later forced to be taken to the hospital.

 

Some delegates had vociferously opposed to endorsing last year's report at the 55th PAS Youth muktamar tonight, citing the possibility of unqualified delegates attending the previous gathering.

 

Delegates from Shah Alam and Puchong had expressed concern that PAS may run into trouble with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) if the matter was not properly investigated before the report is endorsed.

 

A frustated Kamal, who was trying to get delegates to move on to the next agenda, eventually broke into tears, stating: "I, too, do not want PAS to be de-registered, I love the party".

 

He later left his chair and went backstage at Dewan Choon Moi in Kota Tinggi, Johor where the wing's Muktamar was taking place.

 

Some 10 minutes later, the Muktamar's deputy permanent chairperson Riduan Mohd Noor announced that Kamal had been taken to the hospital due to breathing difficulties.

Disqualified delegates?

Earlier, delegates refused to endorse the report, pointing out the dispute about invalid delegates was particularly important as last year was the party's election.

They also presented a report about the alleged failure of  five divisions in Johor to conduct its annual meeting, thus disqualifying their representatives as delegates.

However, Kamal pointed that the Muktamar did not have the authority to investigate and the matter had to be referred to the Syura Council.

He then suspended the sitting for 10 minutes to consult "higher authorities".

Later, he informed delegates that the dispute would be referred to the party's higher-ups for investigation, and this was supported by the floor.

The delegates finally decided to endorse the report with amendments.

However, some delegates were still adamant against endorsing the report despite the amendments until the investigation was completed, leading to Kamal's breakdown with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Party observers were equally emotional about the matter, with some quarrelling with Unit Amal members who tried to maintain order.

The technical dispute went on for a good 90 minutes.

The situation eventually calmed down after Riduan urged members to be rational and the floor finally proceeded to the main agenda on debating the wing's chief policy speech.