Buck up or else... This seemed to be the clear message sent to PAS Selangor Muslimat (women's) chief Wan Hasrina Wan Hasan who retained her title by only two votes last Sunday.

Wan Hasrina scraped through with 96 votes, while rival and previous committee member Dr Halimah Ali garnered 94 votes in her maiden attempt to contest the post.

Those present during the meeting described the annual general meeting as an emotionally-charged affair, with the out-going committee being challenged to explain controversial decisions as well as sidelining of divisions deemed to be trouble-makers on the basis of differences of opinion with Wan Hasrina.

Grassroots muslimat leaders contacted by malaysiakini said the popular belief is that Wan Hasrina - who is serving her fifth two-year term - may not survive until the next annual convention or muktamar if she maintains a leadership style that is said to be "lacking in democracy and transparency".

Her razor-thin victory and the election of new faces - including Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud who is now PAS Selangor Muslimat vice-president - are indicative of the fact that her leadership qualities are being questioned.

Internal setbacks

It is an open secret that the Selangor women's wing has suffered several internal setbacks in recent years due to differences between the old guard and newcomers, who have no qualms about expressing critical views.

"We want change. We want a more united force to help improve the party as a whole. We are tired of her ways in trying to demean any views that are opposed to hers," said a delegate from a division in the Klang Valley who joined PAS during the 1998 reformasi era.

We want decisions to be made in a more transparent manner. We hope that she gets the message."

She is confident that the new line-up will be able to make administrative changes in running the wing.

In particular, this is expected to reduce differences of opinion between Wan Hasrina and PAS Selangor Commissioner Dr Hassan Ali, which had allegedly led to implementation of state-level programmes being affected.

"I don't think she can shrug off Dr Hassan as easily as she has done in the past. We will not allow her to keep her leadership style...there will be some serious repercussions," added the delegate, who did not want to be named.

Checks on transparency

Another delegate said it would be difficult for Wan Hasrina to return to her old style as the new office bearers will ensure there is sufficient transparency in the wing's decision-making process.

"She is now forced to work with Dr Mariah and Mastura Muhammad - the two people that she has always criticised. There is also a few new faces in the committee. I am sure that they will remind her of her duties and responsibilities when the need arises," said the delegate.

Mastura - who heads the Kelana Jaya Muslimat division - described the new line-up as a good blend of professionals and ustazah (religious teachers) and said their election marks a new chapter for the wing.

"I believe that delegates want change. I can see this from the way they speak and offer criticism. They want more transparency, a proper handling of differences of views and a better political plan and strategies," she said when contacted

As to the criticism against Wan Hasrina, Mastura said she prefers to look at a person's strengths rather than the weaknesses.

"We will focus on her strengths and will support her as leader. Whatever problems we have had are in the past. I believe that if we stay united, there is nothing that we cannot do. "

Victory 'unexpected'

Commenting on her narrow victory, Wan Hasrina said she was surprised that she had retained the post.

"I thought that I would lose. I was indeed surprised that I won...of late, there have been many 'tsunami waves' in the wing, but I do not want to point fingers at anyone," she said.

"I accept what has happened. I am willing to re-assess myself, my past conduct and my past decisions that seem to have made some people unhappy."

She, however, disagreed with the perception that the voting pattern suggests a call for change.

"Actually the new people are not 'new' in the true sense of the word. They have been around but they have not sat as office bearers. There was nothing wrong in the previous line-up. They are as progressive as those who have been voted in," she added.

While denying the existence of factional politics in the wing, she said it would be important to unite all the members and to ensure that programmes are implemented. These include grassroots visits to revive the "spirits" of party workers and members.