Takiyuddin appointed new PAS sec-gen, as party defers announcement to coax leaders

Kota Baru MP Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, who sources say will replace PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali, is said to be liked by party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, June 12, 2015.

In its first meeting since the divisive PAS congress, the newly-elected central working committee has agreed to appoint Kota Baru MP Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan as the party’s new secretary-general, party sources say.

The current secretary-general, Datuk Mustafa Ali, has been “demoted” to the position of elections director, replacing Dr Mohd Hatta Ramli, a senior party leader told The Malaysian Insider.

But the source said PAS is deferring the announcement for fear that the appointed leaders may reject their posts.

“Efforts to coax (pujuk) them are still ongoing, because there are concerns Mustafa will not accept the post of elections director. Mustafa had previously said he would only accept the secretary-general position.

“That is why deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man announced on Wednesday that PAS will only reveal the appointed central working committee members on June 21,” the PAS leader told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity.

Another PAS leader said Takiyuddin’s appointment would help the party run more smoothly, as party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang was comfortable working with him.

“Hadi has always liked Takiyuddin. After this, it will be easier for PAS to operate,” said the leader.

Takiyuddin and Mustafa have yet to respond to The Malaysian Insider’s request for comments.

Takiyuddin previously held the post of assistant secretary-general and is a former Kelantan state executive councillor (exco).

The Malaysian Insider understands that the PAS central working committee meeting also decided to appoint former Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan to replace Datuk Mahfuz Omar as the new information chief.

It was also learnt that Kelantan exco Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi has been appointed as treasurer, replacing Asmuni Awi.

PAS has also decided to appoint Salahuddin Ayub, Mahfuz and Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, who lost in the PAS polls, into the central working committee members.

Mahfuz, who is Pokok Sena MP, refused to comment when contacted.

Salahuddin had previously expressed no interest in taking up a post, saying that he wished to dedicate his time with the grassroots.

Salahuddin was the most senior vice-president in the party before he was wiped out along with Mahfuz and Datuk Husam Musa in the contentious elections.

Last week's party polls saw incumbents from the “professional” faction suffer a crushing defeat as the "ulama" class swept up almost all the entire top posts in PAS.

As consolation, Tuan Ibrahim on Wednesday said the non-ulama would be offered positions in the central committee.

- TMI