Sole survivor in PAS purge considers quitting

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Mazlan Aliman, the only pro-Pakatan Rakyat PAS leader who was re-elected at the party election yesterday after a purge of its progressive faction, is considering to resign.

"The party crisis has affected me deeply. As a member of PAS since 1986, the situation now is the most challenging and requires immense patience.

"What more, my comrades who have sacrificed so much for decades were all defeated in the election. I am saddened by this situation and it is affecting my emotions.

"Therefore, I will announce at a suitable time whether I will remain as a PAS central committee member, or resign," he said in a statement today.

He thanked the delegates who had voted for him and said whatever his decision will be, he will continue his struggle for Islam and the people.

Mazlan said for the time being, he wishes to focus on his NGO National Felda Settlers’ Children’s Association (Anak) which have helped PAS made inroads in Felda settlements, long considered BN strongholds.

"Strengthening this organisation and addressing issues related to Felda Global Ventures and the welfare of Felda settlers is the main focus," he said.

Religious clerics lead

In the PAS election at its 61st muktamar yesterday, the entire line-up of progressive leaders in the PAS central committee was wiped out and replaced with religious clerics.

This is after the conservative faction took control of several division leadership to secure their own pro-ulama clerics at the election.

The delegates then voted according to a prepared list of conservative leaders widely circulated on the party's official social media platform, leading to one faction completely dominating the PAS central leadership, as well as all of its wings.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang who led the conservative faction also trounced his pro-Pakatan challenger Ahmad Awang.

In the past, the practice of voting according to a preferred list is only done privately and PAS had often seen a good mix of progressives and conservatives.

There have also been calls for the purged leaders to reject appointment to the central committee to allow the clerics to prove their mettle after purging them.

The PAS progressives have been instrumental in expanding PAS' support base beyond its traditional constituency in the East Coast Malay heartlands.



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