Ahmad Yaakob tops list as Nik Aziz’s successor

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — Speculation is rife that the ageing Kelantan mentri besar is already preparing a succession plan and his current deputy, Datuk Ahmad Yaakob, has been named by party leaders and analysts as the one likely to replace him.

Last night, Datuk Seri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat stated that the party has already "envisioned" a list of leaders he felt was ready to take over.

Though he did not mention names, the mentri besar, who has helmed the state for 19 years, did hint that the succession will be done according to party tradition.

Based on this tradition, observers have named three most senior leaders within the Kelantan PAS government as those likely to succeed Nik Aziz — state exco and Nik Aziz "protege" Datuk Husam Musa, fellow exco Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah and Ahmad Yaakob.

PAS central committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, speaking to The Malaysian Insider, said out of the three, there are several reasons why Ahmad Yaakob is seen as the front-runner.

"When you talk about a succession plan in PAS, there are three important criteria that you must consider. First is seniority. Second is experience in governance and third is of course political perception.

"Out of the three, Ahmad Yaakob is the most senior and as deputy MB, he has vast experience in governance but the most important point is that he fulfils the third requirement," he said.

The third prerequisite, said Mujahid, requires the candidate to have a formal Islamic education background which Ahmad Yaakob has.

Ahmad Yaakob, who was appointed deputy MB in 2004, also enjoys the support of the various factions within PAS Kelantan, added Mujahid further.

This requirement is a setback for Husam who has no formal Islamic education though he did graduate with a degree in economics.

Despite being a close ally of Nik Aziz, the state exco also has many enemies in Kelantan particularly from the pro-Umno-PAS co-operation conservative camp within the party.

"So Ahmad Yaakob can be seen as the balance between the factions in Kelantan PAS and a candidate likely to be able to stabilise the party there," Mujahid said.

A political analyst with the International Islamic University, Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari, an expert on PAS politics, agrees with the views expressed by Mujahid.

In an interview with The Malaysian Insider, Abdul Aziz said the ascension of Ahmad Yaakob as the new MB is a Kelantan government matter and being such, it is normal for the deputy MB to be next in line for the post.

He believes Husam's character — introverted and lack of communication skills — is a factor and his vocal attack against the conservatives within the party has created many enemies and his appointment would only worsen the rivalries in the state.

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