Hadi to remain PAS president, says analyst after ability called into question

2026-02-01 - 00:16

Questions have arisen over Abdul Hadi Awang’s ability to lead PAS after he ruled himself out as Perikatan Nasional chairman, citing age and health reasons. PETALING JAYA: An analyst expects PAS supremo Abdul Hadi Awang to remain at the helm of his party, despite ruling himself out as Perikatan Nasional’s next chairman on grounds of age and health. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Mazlan Ali said, as far as PAS members were concerned, the PN chairman’s post and party presidency were two distinct posts and unconnected. The PN chairmanship comes with its own set of responsibilities, he said, including coordinating and leading the predominantly Malay-Muslim opposition coalition, which also includes Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP). “It would be difficult for Hadi, who is physically weak, to meet with PN supporters and lead the campaign machinery if there is an election,” he told FMT. Mazlan Ali. “But Hadi will also not step down as president because in PAS, the president holds office for life.” Following Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to resign as PN chairman effective Jan 1, Hadi said his party would take over the coalition’s reins. However when asked if he was prepared to assume the PN chairmanship, Hadi, 78, cited his advanced age. Hadi’s reasoning, according to Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara, had led to many wondering if the Marang MP was still able to lead PAS. But Mazlan said that Hadi remains the most influential figure within PAS and retains firm control of the party. Azmi Hassan. However, he said PAS’s decision to nominate a leader other than its president for