KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Husam Musa will stick to defending his PAS vice president’s post and confirmed yesterday his rejection of nominations for him to run for party president or deputy president, despite being eligible to contest either position.

In a statement, Husam apologised to the party members and divisions who had nominated him for the top two posts, held by Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and Mohamad Sabu respectively.

“With great apologies to all divisions and members who have great expectations, I only intend to accept the nomination for PAS vice president post that I hold now.

“I understand their concerns especially concerning the direction of the Islamic struggle of PAS in Malaysia for many years to come,” Husam said.

Husam had received eight nominations for the PAS presidency.

His withdrawal from the race for number one now leaves that contest to be waged between former vice president and party veteran Ahmad Awang and incumbent Hadi.

Another eligible contender for the presidency, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, had earlier declined to run against Hadi and is now gunning for deputy presidency against incumbent Mohamad.

PAS will hold its elections for new office bearers at its 61st muktamar or annual general assembly next month. The elections will be historic as this marks the first time the presidency is being contested.

Husam in his statement said it was important that PAS be led by the ulama (clerics) and reminded party members not to fall for the “ploys” of their political enemies.

“What has been achieved by PAS’ struggle today is the continuation of approach, strategy and method that were decided by our predecessors through discussions and consensus at all levels.”

But in a nod to continued cooperation with Pakatan Rakyat allies, PKR and DAP, Husam also said that PAS’ approach “to take over the federal government through the ‘PAS for all’ approach to win the hearts of non-Muslims was decided by consensus at all levels and not based on the decision of any individual”.

The coming elections are expected to be hotly contested as PAS also struggles to resolve internal differences over the Islamist party’s future and whether it should continue cooperation with the opposition pact. — The Malaysian Insider

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on May 19, 2015.