Ahead of PAS party polls, veep Idris Ahmad says better ‘no position’; Youth chief not defending post

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — PAS vice-president Datuk Idris Ahmad has indicated that he would prefer not to hold any position in the Islamist party, ahead of leadership elections at its annual congress at the end of this month.

However, Idris said he will leave the decision to PAS delegates as he has never lobbied for a position or tried to sway any member’s vote, Utusan Malaysia reported today.

The Bagan Serai MP added that he will be fine even if he does not hold any position in the party.

“It is up to the delegates as I have never lobbied for any position. No position is better. If there is a position and a trust given, we will do it,” he was quoted as saying.

The Malay national newspaper also reported PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari saying he will not defend his post in the coming party polls.

Ahmad Fadhli, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, said he wants to make way for a fresh face.

“I’m only planning to contest the party’s central committee member post and will not defend the PAS youth chief post,” he was quoted as saying.

Ahmad Fadhli added that he won’t stop any member from contesting if there are sufficient nominations, but believes no one would challenge his current position.

PAS will be holding its 69th muktamar in Shah Alam, Selangor from October 20 to 22.

The assembly was initially scheduled to be held in Kelantan last May 3 to 5, but was postponed to prepare for the six state elections on August 12.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has been reported saying that the incumbents of the party’s five highest positions are likely to be maintained for another two years as there are currently no challengers.