PAS vice-president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man today announced he will be contesting for the party deputy president's post in the party elections scheduled for next month.

With this, he will likely be pitted against incumbent and Pakatan Rakyat favourite, Mohamad Sabu (photo ), who had announced earlier this week he will be defending his seat.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is also Pahang PAS state commissioner, announced his decision in a statement today and said that appreciated the trust given by his supporters.

“After evaluating the number of nominations received from the various divisions, I would like to offer myself to contest for the deputy presidency at the 61st PAS muktamar.

“I am prepared to take the heavy responsibility if elected,” he said.

“PAS is expanding and under the leadership of party president, Abdul Hadi Awang. PAS is gathering full steam by having one million members,” he added.

Tuan Ibrahim, however, recognised the need to continue to win the people's hearts regardless of their race and religion.

He said the late PAS spiritual adviser Nik Aziz Nik Mat managed to win the hearts of Malaysians as although he was stern with matters Islam, he was gentle in his approach.

Social media 'ghosts'

Tuan Ibrahim also admitted the party was faced with internal problems,  adding  they had to be handled properly to prevent a split which would weaken the party further.

“We should stop labeling and differentiating PAS members. Do not accept rumours and believe in the 'ghosts' on social media. Such actions have resulted in the party opening its doors to the enemy,” he warned.

Tuan Ibrahim pledged his commitment to work with allies within Pakatan Rakyat to topple Umno and BN at the 14th general election.

“However, we will not relinquish our party's struggle which is Islam,” he said.

Besides Mohamad Sabu and Tuan Ibrahim, two others who are qualified to contest for the deputy presidency are party vice-president Husam Musa, and Kelantan deputy menteri besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

Both have yet to announce their intentions.