KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The fundamentalist hold on PAS is fast slipping away, with the liberals having succeeded in offering party members a better deal which could pave the way for the party to sit in Putrajaya.
In the upcoming PAS election, the liberals have positioned themselves strategically at every level of the party hierarchy and the fundamentalists find themselves at the losing end.
Campaigns are free-for-all, which gives the liberals more opportunities given their mobility compared to the fundamentalists, who stick to their old methods of giving religious ceramah (sermons) rather than giving out views on the future of the party.
Being professionals and equipped with political knowledge and the knowing aspirations of party members, the liberals clearly have an upper hand.
Over 60 candidates are vying for the 18 central committee posts, where nearly three quarters are professionals and liberals who subscribe to rebranding PAS as a Malay-based Islamic party as opposed to the present Islamic-based party.
Given the 1,500-odd delegates this time around, the liberals may spring a surprise with the likelihood that incumbent deputy president Mohamad Sabu, or Mat Sabu, may retain his seat against fundamentalist Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.
Similarly, the three incumbent vice-presidents — Datuk Mahfuz Omar (picture), Datuk Husam Musa and Salahuddin Ayub — may just prolong their term against fundamentalists Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Datuk Abu Bakar Chik.
The fundamentalists have had their time projecting and promoting Islamic concepts but the party has yet to achieve its goals.
Despite holding on to the Kelantan state government, the fundamentalists have been challenged by liberals such as Salor assemblyman Husam, who is known to be a close associate of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de-facto chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Husam’s new approach with PAS director of strategy Dr Zulkifli Ahmad, also another of Anwar’s close associates, are now being accepted by party members who view it as a practicality for the party to move to Putrajaya.
Despite not being heavily involved in the campaign strategy due to them “respecting the fundamentalist way” and also to not create any animosity among the factions, these liberals have been filing details on the party’s strengths and weaknesses for future references.
In fact, their approach and style are modern and up-to-date, which impresses the young members more than anything else.
Compare this to the fundamentalists, who seem to lose credibility and influence among the younger party members.
Given such a background, the fundamentalists need more than just religious talks to counter the liberal charge when delegates cast their votes on November 22.
