WITH A claimed membership base of about 1.5 mil nationwide, PAS has steadily consolidated its position in Malaysia’s political landscape.
Its influence within the opposition bloc has grown further with the recent appointment of Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as chairman of PN, a move widely viewed as recognition of PAS’ expanding clout.
Yet even as the party projects strength, questions linger over its top leadership. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, now 78, has faced recurring health concerns.
Earlier this year, he openly acknowledged that his age and condition make him unsuitable for the premiership, suggesting that national leadership demands someone under 70 with the stamina to engage consistently at grassroots level.
Within party circles, there is growing recognition that succession planning can no longer be deferred, particularly amid speculation that a snap general election could be called.
At the same time, PAS spiritual adviser Hashim Jasin, 86, is currently receiving treatment at Penang Hospital for heart-related complications.
Despite frail health, he recently returned to Perlis to help stabilise the state chapter after Chief Minister Mohd Shukri Ramli was removed through a no-confidence vote.
Hashim backed three PAS assemblymen who aligned themselves with Bersatu in the move against Shukri, who had faced mounting challenges since the coalition captured Perlis in 2022.
A long-serving figure in the party, Hashim assumed the spiritual adviser’s role following the passing of his close associate, the late Haron Din, and has since been regarded as a stabilising presence.
Meanwhile, deputy spiritual adviser Ahmad Yakob, 76, is himself a veteran leader and former Kelantan Chief Minister. —Feb 27, 2025
Main image: Bernama
