Former PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu accused Umno-linked media of campaigning for the pro-ulama faction in last week's PAS elections.

Mohamad, who was among the pro-Pakatan Rakyat leaders wiped out by the conservative hardliners in the polls, said media such as TV3 and Utusan Malaysia appeared to have wanted the ulama faction to win.

"Even one week before the election, Bernama tried to play a role and was seen as siding the pro-ulama faction," he said in a statement today.

Mohamad ( photo ), better known as Mat Sabu, added that strangely enough, Umno was actually delighted with the PAS election results this year.

"For the first time, Umno is seen to be happy with the muktamar's decision.

"Being a veteran in the party, I find this very strange," he said.

Mohamad added this "strangeness" was likewise seen throughout the party election.

"The PAS muktamar 2015 was very strange. It is not a matter of losing or winning but the strangeness of it.

"The top PAS leadership themselves were seen holding white pieces of papers (chai – list of preferred candidates) when they voted," he said.

Will distance himself

Pro-Pakatan Rakyat leaders are virtually gone from the PAS leadership and all of its wings after delegates voted according to a list of endorsed conservative leaders.

Almost half of the delegates were new faces, put in place by the conservative faction to control the muktamar ahead of the election, noted observers.

In the past, the PAS leadership comprised a good mix of progressives and conservative leaders as delegates voted according to individuals.

Mohamad said in the past he would continue to holdings ceramah on the same stage with fellow PAS leaders whom he had lost to.

However, this time, Mohamad said he has chosen to distance himself from the new leadership dominated by just a single faction.

He has also resigned from all positions in the DAP-led Pakatan Rakyat government in Penang after the new PAS leadership passed a motion to sever ties with DAP over alleged disrespect shown by them to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.