Four Way Tussle For Pas Vice President Posts

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PAS MUKTAMAR | PAS delegates at the muktamar in Kuantan will be taking to the ballot boxes later this evening in a party election mostly devoid of contests
The top two posts held by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and his deputy Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man were won uncontested
It is slightly more interesting in the race for the three vice-president positions being contested by four senior leaders
Three candidates - Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah (photo), Iskandar Ab Samad and Idris Ahmad - are seeking a third term
However, one of them could fall to the party’s rising star Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar
Malaysiakini takes a look at the candidates
1. Mohd Amar Nik AbdullahThe Kelantan deputy menteri besar is the most senior of the candidates and is the favourite to defend his position as a PAS veep for a third term
The sole candidate from Kelantan is unlikely to be ousted by delegates, as he is seen to have performed well for both the state and party
He appears to be the face of PAS and the state government in Kelantan, with his presence eclipsing other state leaders, including Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob
While some of his comments may sound comical, Mohd Amar is known to delegates as a fierce individual who is steadfast in defending the party and attacking its enemies
2. Iskandar Ab SamadThe former Selangor state executive councillor was once a major force in the state who rose to prominence following Pakatan Rakyat’s capture of Selangor in 2008
However, he has been out of the limelight since losing the Pandan Indah (formerly known as Chempaka) seat during last year’s general election. He held the seat for two terms prior to the 2018 defeat
An architect by training, Iskandar is seen to be a moderate from PAS' professional camp
For this year's party polls, he'll be seeking the camp’s support to secure victory
3. Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (above)The aerospace expert had a meteoric rise and is now looking to boost his career further by landing a spot as a PAS vice-president
Ahmad Samsuri was previously Hadi's political secretary. He was given the honour of taking over Hadi's Ru Rendang state seat in Terengganu last year
Despite being a first-term assemblyperson, he was chosen over other senior Terengganu PAS leaders to be the state's menteri besar
His proximity to Hadi and his credentials will make him a favourite among delegates from both the ulama and professional camps
4. Idris AhmadThe former Bukit Gantang MP is synonymous with pondok religious schools, a legacy inherited from his father, a well-known scholar in northern Perak known as Tuan Guru Haji Ahmad Kampung Petai
Like Iskandar, Idris too has been mostly out of the limelight since losing his seat in the 2018 general election.However, he is widely expected to have the support of PAS delegates from the northern corridor - Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak
He is a skilled orator who is often invited to ceramah, and his skills with a microphone could be well utilised by PAS, especially as they seek to convince members of the alliance with their old enemy Umno. - Mkini

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