A PAS delegate today proposed party president Abdul Hadi Awang, who has been absent from all major legislative votes in Parliament, to lead a committee to combat the "ponteng culture" (absenteeism) in Parliament.

The proposal by Faiz Fadzil, son of late PAS president Fadzil Noor, appear to be a subtle jab at Abdul Hadi, who has become accustomed to playing truant in Parliament.

Faiz lamented over the large number of PAS MPs who were absent during the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) vote that re-introduced detention without trial, including Abdul Hadi.

"Even if we lose the vote, it doesn't matter, so long as we are present," he said at the 61st PAS muktamar in Kuala Selangor today.

"We have failed to show that we are responsible and trustworthy," added Faiz, who were among the progressive leaders who were completely wiped out by the ulama faction at the PAS election on Friday.

Abdul Hadi was absent not only for the vote on Pota, but also on other significant legislations such as the Sedition Act amendment and the Goods and Services Act 2014.

Faiz had proposed Abdul Hadi to lead the committee, as he said even though Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar was the parliamentary whip, MPs didn't seem to listen to him.

“Many PAS MPs are usually absent in Parliament because Mahfuz, although he is the PAS chief whip in Parliament, is not the highest authority. Maybe that’s why not many are walak (loyal) towards him.

Hadi as chair to 'inspire walak from MPs'

“Since we are loyal to the president, therefore, I want the president to chair this committee,” he said.

He also pointed out that when his father was opposition leader and PAS president, all MPs were always present in Parliament.

Faiz ( photo ), who is a delegate from Rembau, also praised Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin for his commitment against Pota during the debates in Parliament.

However, his proposal was not well received by all delegates, as Mohd Khairi Mohd Salleh from Bandar Baharu reprimanded him for "one-sided praises".

Mohd Khairi also challenged Faiz to contest against Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin in the next general election

“He (Faiz) only praised those whom he liked when in fact, there are many more MPs, including our president (Abdul Hadi Awang) who are great, too,” said Khairi, pointing out how Hadi is deputy president of the World Ulama Organisation.

As such, Mohd Khairi said he wanted Faiz to become an MP, to see his prowess in fighting for PAS and speaking on current issues.

“Go against the Umno Youth chief (Khairy) in Rembau then,” he said.