THERE will be a confrontation between pro-Perikatan Nasional and pro-Umno camps at the PAS muktamar (general assembly) today, said a party insider.

This is apparent following a similar skirmish between the pro-PN group and Geng Ustaz (pro-Umno) during branch-level party polls last month, added the source.

The pro-PN group is close to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and is expected to dominate the muktamar, while Geng Ustaz – purportedly led by party central working committee member Khairuddin Aman Razali – is in a tight corner following a leaked audio clip allegedly of Khairuddin criticising Hadi.

Khairuddin, popularly known as at-Takiri, had allegedly raised concerns about the party president’s stance on the issue of seat negotiations in the recording.

Sources told The Malaysian Insight that the leaked audio clip has caused the gang to badly lose to the pro-PN group in every area and division, including the Youth and Women wings’ polls last week.

“(The purpose) of Geng Ustaz is to provide checks and balances, as Hadi is seen as being heavily influenced by the pro-PN group led by vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and secretary-general Takiyudin Hassan,” said a source.

“PAS grassroots did not take kindly to Khairuddin’s criticism of Hadi when the recording went viral. And, as a result, most at-Takiri candidates lost in the constituency level elections.”

Sources said they are now observing the impact of the clash in the race for the vice-president and central committee member posts.

Hadi and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man remain as president and deputy president, respectively, after winning uncontested at party polls for the 2021-2023 session.

Hussin Ismail and Kamal Ashaari also remain as permanent chairman and deputy chairman, respectively, after winning uncontested.

Takiyuddin and three others will contest to fill in three vice-president posts. The three are incumbents Religious Affairs Minister Idris Ahmad, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Last Friday, PAS had released a list of eligible candidates to challenge the post, including Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who later pulled out of the race.

Another challenger, Mohd Zuhdi Marzuki, is a private secretary to Tuan Ibrahim, who is also environment and water minister.

The last time PAS held its polls was in 2015 – in the wake of infighting between a pro-Pakatan Rakyat professional group and an ulama group – which saw the former suffer a massive defeat and subsequently left the party to form Amanah.

However, the source dismissed the fresh fight between Geng Ustaz and the pro-PN group as a split in PAS.

It is just a difference of opinion on the direction and stance of the Islamist party – whether to be with Bersatu or Umno in Muafakat Nasional, the source said.

“Some say it is profitable for PAS to be with Umno as it will strengthen the Malays, but the other group sees PAS as a closer partner to Bersatu during the Sheraton Move.”

An insider has also confirmed that Geng Ustaz has been side-lined.

“Geng Ustaz led by Khairuddin has lost badly in all areas and on all levels. This is because the grassroots feel that Khairuddin has courted too much controversy, including the issue of his integrity,” said the insider, who declined to comment further.

Khairuddin was dropped from the cabinet after Ismail Sabri Yaakob took over the federal government as prime minister.

He has been caught violating the movement control order and involved in a land sale and lease scandal involving an agency under the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, of which he was minister.

Most political observers think that the muktamar is the best platform for PAS to finally decide on whether to be with Bersatu or Umno.

However, Ilham Centre executive director Mohamad Hisomuddin Bakar said the party will continue to “play two pools” and not decide on its direction at the gathering.

“PAS will fail as the mediator because of seat negotiations, and this will start during the Malacca polls.

“Umno does not want Bersatu; PAS has to accept this fact. Unless Umno can accept Bersatu, this will be a challenge that PAS needs to solve.”

This will also affect the party in its election campaign as it does not have a fixed direction, he added.

“PAS does not have a fixed direction to explain to the grassroots whether it wants to sit with Bersatu or Umno.

“Despite its desire to sit on both sides, the reality is that it cannot be like that. The dilemma is at the grassroots levels.

“How will the party campaign? And what are the instructions to voters on who to vote for if there is a clash of seats between Bersatu and Umno?”

A total of 1,546 delegates will take part in the 67th PAS annual assembly this weekend, with 694 physically attending the event in Kuala Terengganu, while the rest virtually attending it in their respective states. – November 6, 2021.