Is leadership succession on the cards for Malaysia’s PAS as chief Abdul Hadi’s ill health lingers?

KUALA TERENGGANU: Reports of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) president Abdul Hadi Awang’s continuing ill health have triggered speculation over a potential successor for the top position of Malaysia’s Islamist party. 

Two political rising stars from different factions of the party have emerged as main contenders to succeed the 76-year-old: one a religious legacy candidate, the other a progressive professional. 

The differences between Mr Abdul Hadi’s son Dr Muhammad Khalil, and Dr Ahmad Samsuri, as well as their contrasting ideologies representative of the respective camps, have caught the attention of observers and raised questions over the future direction of the party, and whether any potential infighting could disrupt a smooth transition. 

Political analysts CNA spoke to believe that it could soon be time for PAS to consider succession. And as the party enjoys its strongest position yet, following a stellar performance in 2023 state elections and looks to attract new voter demographics, the stakes are high for whoever might step up to take the helm.

Associate Professor Yusri Ibrahim, chief researcher at think-tank Ilham Centre told CNA: “In the context of PAS with the concerns over health of the party president, it is perhaps time for the party to commence a leadership transition. 

“The snag is that in PAS currently it is unclear who has the most calibre to take over the leadership mantle,” he added. 

A CRITICAL POINT FOR SUCCESSION PLANNING

PAS is at a crucial juncture in its history. 

The party is arguably at the strongest point since it was founded in the 1950s. It currently holds the most seats in the federal legislature after a strong showing in the 2022 general election, more than Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as well as the country’s historically dominant party the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). 

However, PAS and its ally party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition did not garner enough seats and support to form the government and are now in the opposition.

Researchers have predicted that PAS’ influence is expected to grow with the party strengthening its base in areas where Malay Muslims are the majority, while making inroads in urban areas, as seen during the 2023 state elections when it won 105 out of 127 seats it contested. 

Speculation over who might lead the party through this era of potential growth has been further fuelled by recent reports of the current chief’s continuing ill health. 

Two years ago, Mr Abdul Hadi was hospitalised at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur for shortness of breath. 

More recently in July 2023, he was again warded in his home state Terengganu for an unspecified illness. At the time, his condition was of sufficient concern that Dr Muhammad Khalil released a statement asking for well wishers to make prayers for his father’s health.

Mr Hadi Awang was again hospitalised on New Year’s Day for an unspecified illness at the National Heart Institute. He was reportedly discharged in February.  

When the newly installed Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar delivered his maiden speech in the lower house at the end of February, the PAS president’s seat at the front of the opposition bench was conspicuously empty. 

During the PN’s elected lawmakers convention in Kuala Lumpur in early March, the current PAS chief was spotted in a wheelchair. Local media reported that the Marang Member of Parliament (MP) needed help to stand for certain segments of the programme, including a photo shoot.

POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR FROM PROFESSIONAL OR ULAMA FACTION? 

Mr Abdul Hadi’s eldest son, Dr Muhammad Khalil, is a member of the party’s central committee, a former youth chief, and a potential successor to his father’s position. 

Analysts noted that there is interest surrounding the 47-year-old given that he has been put forth by the party recently for important roles.