Similar to the last PAS elections in 2003, the contest for the deputy president post is once again the focal point for the 1,000 delegates attending the party's annual general assembly or muktamar this week.

The previous contest saw a straight fight between ulama (religious scholar) Senator Hasan Shukri and professional Mustafa Ali, who was soundly beaten by the former.

This time around, it is a three-cornered fight among ulama .

An interesting point is that the trio - incumbent Hasan, PAS treasurer and former Kelantan deputy mentri besar Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman and party secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa - represent three different generations in the Islamic opposition party.

Observers said the outcome of the battle will reflect the strength of the factions in PAS that are seeking changes. This is coming mainly from the Youth wing which has openly criticised the leaders for failing to initiate positive reforms.

The muktamar will be officially opened by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang on Friday while the main agenda, the party polls is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

The Youth will convene its annual meet tomorrow while the Dewan Ulama and Dewan Muslimat (women's wing) will hold their respective meets on Thursday.

Push for reforms

Last year, the Youths led by its then newly elected leader Salahuddin Ayub demanded changes within the party administration and strategies following PAS' dismal performance in the 2004 general election.

(PAS won 27 seats in the 1999 general election but now holds only five. The party also lost control of Terengganu and came precariously close to conceding defeat in Kelantan, which it has been ruling for more than a decade)

Unlike other internal criticisms that fizzle out with time, the demand for reforms has grown stronger over the years and this scenario, according to Salahuddin, should not surprise anyone.

"The Youth wing has always been vocal and consistent in our efforts to improve the party. That is our identity," he said.

He is confident that the desire for change will be reflected in the delegates' choice of the party's top line-up.

"The signal for changes can be seen by the nominations made by the divisions. It shows that the members had grasped our message well, that changes must be made.

"Our focus this year would be confronting the future challenges of the party. We want to emphasise to the leaders that PAS must be able to read the current trend. It must be at its best form and able to take the way forward.

"We do not want to be seen as a backward party and we must portray a national image. It must prove that it is a real competition to Umno and that it is not a party that only suits the people of Kelantan and Terengganu. We must build a national image," he said.

Unrealised agendas

However, there are some who feel that Salahuddin should not even bother with initiating new efforts as the current line-up, despite being openly blamed for the party's dismal showing in the last polls, has yet to make any serious efforts to improve the situation.

A politician from Terengganu pointed out that even the agendas was set in last year's annual general assembly have not been achieved.

"What have we achieved since the last muktamar ? Are there changes? Nothing. Read last year's ( muktamar ) minutes and go figure. Even the (Youth exco) Mujahid (Yusof Rawa) admitted that the call for changes has not been taken seriously," he said.

Responding, Salahuddin said it was unfair for members to make such a general statement against the current line-up as many have worked hard to ensure that some agendas, if not all, are met.

"Two significant events have taken place since then. One is the effort made in empowering the leadership of the ulama where deputy mursyidul am (spiritual leader) Dr Haron Din had made extensive research and work. Second our call for a movement to attract young women bore fruits with the launch of Puteri Nisa.

"Of course there are other agendas raised that had not been properly addressed like setting up a contemporary political movement that could elevate PAS further, the cooperation with (Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser) Anwar Ibrahim has not been set out," he added.

Despite this, party observers believe that the efforts to create reforms in the party depends greatly on the new line-up.

Who's the best?

A Youth delegate from Kedah said the best to compliment the leadership of Abdul Hadi - who for the second time returned unopposed as president - would be Nasharuddin.

"Hassan has failed to prove that he is able to take the party forward. While Abdul Halim's performance as deputy mentri besar is still being questioned. We are left with Nasharuddin.

"Of course the best choice would have been Haron Din but unfortunately for us, he had to withdraw because of his heart condition," he said.

However, a senior delegate from Selangor, who also wants reforms, believed that Abdul Halim would be a better candidate as he is more politically savvy.

"He is experienced at the state and federal levels. I think that should not go to waste. Even Nik Aziz (Nik Mat, PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan menteri besar) supports him.

"Nasharuddin's performance as secretary-general is not exactly excellent. But Nasharuddin is only 43, he is still young and has other chances," he noted.

However a Kelantan division chief stressed that the age factor should not be an issue for delegates when making their choice.

"Age has never been a factor in PAS. Looking back at the party's history, the late Fadzil Noor was made the secretary general when he was only 30 and became deputy president when he was 46," he said.

He added that each delegate has the duty to choose the best as the chosen ones will have the difficult task of ensuring the party's relevancy in the next general elections.