WITH some 1.5 million members nationwide, PAS is seen as a growing force in the national political scene.
Despite its pro-Islamic stance, it has grown in strength, and the recent appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the new Perikatan Nasional chairman reflects the party's rise to prominence.
However, the future of two key party positions remains a poser.
The health of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, 78, remains questionable, while PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Hashim Jasin, 86, is now warded at the Penang Hospital for some heart-related issues.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is scheduled to visit Hashim later today.
Hashim rose to the limelight recently when, despite his health issues, he went back to his home state of Perlis to secure stability after the party's mentri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli was ousted in a no-confidence vote.
Hashim defended the three PAS assemblymen, who decided to side with ally Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to remove Shukri, who was struggling since winning the state in 2022.
Hashim has been a steady hand in PAS after taking over the spiritual adviser post from his friend, the late Datuk Haron Din, an Islamic-trained healer, who passed on suddenly.
Hashim extols the Perlis culture of "hemoi," (comfortable in many social situations), and he has continued to promote the values of his party position - of interpreting modern situations with an Islamic definition.
Haron replaced the charismatic late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who was the longest serving spiritual leader for PAS until he passed on in 2015.
Nik Aziz is renowned for his handling of Kelantan from 1990 until 2013, where he served as a mentri besar.
Appointed to the post due to his position as the eldest in the Syura Council, Hashim is recognised for his political experience and foresight.
He has recently urged PAS to consider going solo in elections if disputes within the PN coalition are not resolved.
He also advocated for the use of the PAS "moon" logo over the PN logo to ensure better election results.
The current PAS deputy spiritual adviser, Datuk Ahmad Yakop, is 76 and a former Mentri Besar of Kelantan.
Party insiders have acknowledged an urgent need to groom successors, especially if a snap general election is called. - February 27, 2026.
