In a statement here, PAS information chief Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party’s political bureau had, on February 2, rejected Abdul Hadi’s desire to not contest the next election, and that the decision was unanimous.
“The president himself agreed with the decision,” said Tuan Ibrahim.
“Even though positions come and go, PAS still needs its president to continue leading the party … even Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) top leadership has said that the president needs to remain at the helm of PR,” he added.
The PAS leader said that Islam stipulates its leaders should not run away when followers need guidance and direction.
Abdul Hadi recently indicated his desire to back out of running in the 13th general election and said it is time for the next generation of leaders to shape the party.
He had said he wanted to step down as he has been an elected representative for over 30 years although his PR colleagues, including PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Anwar and the DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh, have served in the same capacity for a similar amount of time.
PR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Marang MP to change his mind, saying that the latter is important to both PAS and PR.
Umno has been quick to capitalise on Hadi’s announcement, calling it a sign of an internal crisis within the Islamic party.
Abdul Hadi had also said that if he does not contest any seat, he would be free to campaign across the country to strengthen the party.
