KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Being the son of a well-known cleric and president of an Islamist party is no advantage when it comes to contesting for positions in the party headed by the father.
Mohd Khalil Abdul Hadi, son of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, considers himself as just a party member seeking to contribute in a higher capacity if given the chance.
Currently the party’s Terengganu Youth vice-chief, he is is contesting the PAS Youth deputy chief’s post.
Mohd Khalil, 36, who holds two degrees — Syariah (Islamic Law) and Islamic Studies from two universities in Yemen and a Masters in Islamic Studies from Portsmouth University, England — has been a PAS member since a teenager.
He does not see his father’s position influencing delegates in any way.
“I have to be professional and will separate family relationship from party affairs,” he said.
“However, I see this as a challenge as every one will try to relate me to my father and make comparisons.
“I cannot predict the future but I will stick to the right principles in my climb to the top. Talking about comparion, I have a long, very long way to be on par with him.
“Let the delegates decide.”
On talks of the factions in the party — comprising liberals and fundamentalists — Mohd Khalil said the terms were just gimmicks played up by the media.
He said the second oldest party in the country had been in existence with the combination of all genres comprising professionals, ulama and activists.
The combination of theologians and liberals should be seen as a balance “as PAS adopts the amilin or activist style which is more suitable.”
“On the outside, PAS is a political party but on the inside, it should be viewed as an Islamic movement,” he said.
On his chances in the party elections, he said he would let the delegates decide and would continue to contribute to the party whatever the outcome.
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