Husam's supporters quietly confident but...

Will it be Husam Musa or Nasharuddin Mat Isa?

A rough survey of delegates today indicates that none of the three candidates can be considered a clear frontrunner in the crucial race for the PAS deputy president post.

Many prefer to stand by incumbent Nasharuddin as they consider his ulama credentials indispensable to the Islamic party’s cause.

A total 1,044 delegates from 178 divisions took part in the three-hour vote this afternoon, but they will have to wait until tomorrow to find out who is the victor.

Husam’s popularity cannot be ignored though. His supporters are quietly confident that their candidate will triumph when the results are announced tomorrow.

According to them, the final tally will depend on whether the third candidate, Mohammad Sabu, can steal votes away from Nasharuddin.

They see Husam garnering about 45 percent of the votes, with Nasharuddin trailing at 35 percent while Mohammad Sabu finishing third with 20 percent.

In addition to the deputy president contest, the delegate are picking three of the five candidates to fill the vice-president posts.

They are also selecting 18 from a huge field of 54 candidates for the party's central committee.

Vote counting began at 8.30pm for all posts and it went on until 1.30am. However, officials were tight-lipped as to the results after the five-hour counting process.

Sources told Malaysiakini that Husam has edged out the two other candidates in a rather tight race.

As for the three vice-president posts, former Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub, information chief Mahfuz Omar and Pahang state chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man are believed to have been elected in a five-way contest.

The other two candidates are Penang deputy chief Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Kelantan state exco Nik Amar Nik Abdullah.

Results are expected to be announced after 10am on Saturday.

Influence of ulama council palpable

One thing is for sure though, PAS delegates place great faith in their religious council, the syurah, and its influence over the party’s rank-and-file is palpable.

According to many delegates, if the syurah backs the ‘unity government with Umno’ proposal which was mooted by some party leaders, they too will support the idea.

Here is what the delegates have to say:

Ilvira Mohd Dasuki from Tupai, Kelantan

I like all (three) candidates and the results will depend on their merits. But I prefer the candidate who will not “disturb” the Pakatan Rakyat alliance.

Nordin from Johor

My choice is between Husam Musa and Mat Sabu. Husam’s performance has been good so far. As for the ‘muqabalah’ (unity talks) issue with Umno, that depends on the individual leader’s discretion. PAS has the Majlis Syurah. If they say it is okay (for unity talks), then it will be okay by the delegates.

Zulkiply Ishak from Kepala Batas, Penang

I would like for the deputy president post to stay the same because we need the ulama. Nasharuddin did not proceed with the ‘muqabalah’ on his own. The central committee has consented to the meeting. It was a collective decision.

Anonymous from Perak

I prefer the status quo because of the ulama. The ulama play an indispensable role in PAS. As for the ‘muqabalah’, it is not a problem as it has always been the party’s policy to meet and talk to everyone.

Anonymous from Puchong, Selangor

I would like it to remain the same. The ‘muqabalah’ was not a personal decision. It was collective decision. If some people say that Nasharuddin has not been performing, what do they have to say about PAS’ performance in the last general election?

I am okay with the ‘muqabalah’ because I have faith in the syurah. Anything they say is fine with me even if it is to form a government with Umno.

Anonymous from Selayang, Selangor

PAS must be ruled by the ulama till the end. That is where PAS’ chemistry comes from. If we can form a government with DAP then I don’t see any problem forming a government with Umno, as long as the union brings good to Islam. But the final mandate lies with the syurah.