The conservative faction in PAS has tightened its grip by appointing Haron Din as the party’s new spiritual leader.

The appointment was decided by the party’s syura council, said PAS’s assistant secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, according to Bernama.

Haron replaces the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who passed away on Feb 13.

Unlike his predecessor who emphasised on the need for Pakatan Rakyat, Haron has been less favourable to the opposition coalition and had urged that cooperation with it be reviewed.

Haron’s appointment is also an indication that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang will retain his position during the party’s polls in June.

Reformists in the party had been advocating for Abdul Hadi to take over as spiritual leader to pave the way for new leadership in the party.

PAS’s relationship with Pakatan has deteriorated as Abdul Hadi appeared to veer his party away from the coalition after Nik Abdul Aziz’s retirement.

The conservative faction, mostly comprising of hardline ulama, advocates the immediate implementation of theocratic law and resent their Pakatan partners for trying to impede their efforts.

Reformists in the party, while not denying hudud as a religious obligation, say it is best to first focus on bread and butter matters and common issues.