THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER
November 24, 2013

PAS members show that they are firmly in charge of the party’s destination at this year’s muktamar. – The Malaysian Insider pic, November 24, 2013.PAS members show that they are firmly in charge of the party’s destination at this year’s muktamar. – The Malaysian Insider pic, November 24, 2013.One of the most fiercely contested PAS muktamar in recent history is over and once again PAS delegates have shown that they are masters of their party’s destination.

No amount of campaigning from well-meaning Umno leaders or its mouthpiece, “Utusan Malaysia”, could sway the votes at the 59th PAS Muktamar.

There were five important lessons that could be deduced from this muktamar:

1. Beware the enemy’s support

For the second time, party leaders, especially those running for the deputy president’s position found that endorsement from “Utusan Malaysia” is not going to get you anywhere. Support from Utusan Malaysia, Umno leaders and former discredited party leaders for ulama, particulary Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, did not land them the coveted deputy president’s post.

2. Don’t engage in internal fighting

Those seen as divisive figures in the party were the biggest casualties in yesterday’s polls. Two of the most vocal attackers of fellow members were Syura committee member Zaharudin Mohamad and Pahang ulama chief Mokhtar Senik.

Zaharudin seized the initiative and began campaigning early and attacked his rivals via Facebook and at party events while Mokhtar’s over-the-top criticisims of liberals or Erodgans cost him dearly.

Both men, although popular, and often seen as potential central working committee members failed to make the cut.

3. Do not go overboard while campaigning

Those who had gone overboard in their campaigning paid the price. They lost.

El-Haraki’s Facebook page is a good example. It rallied for the clerics and the daily dose of vitriol unleashed by it against the Erdogans did little for the ulama campaign.

The excessive campaigning, bordering on fanaticism, left many wondering if the ulama were power crazy.

4. Hardworking leaders the choice of the majority

PAS delegates appreciate a hard worker and anyone who advances the party’s cause on the ground. Case in point – Mazlan Aliman. In the previous muktamar, Mazlan won first place in the CWC and this time, he came in second.

There is nothing that stands out about Mazlan, the president of Felda Settlers’ Children Association (Anak). But his diligence in fighting for the Felda settlers’ cause and, by extension, advancing the party’s struggle stood him in good stead with the grassroots.

5. Running an election is not an easy task

This year’s party polls had not one but two glitches, which left the election committee chief Asmuni Awi red-faced. He offered his resignation to pacify party delegates after the CWC elections could not be held on Friday because of errors in the ballot papers.

However, PAS members at the muktamar chose to forgive him after he admitted the error and apologise for it. – November 24, 2013.