Hadi says may not contest GE13

Hadi has been a state assemblyman since 1982. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 — Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has indicated his desire to back out from running in the 13th general election despite Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) insistence it will take over federal government.

The PAS president said this was based on the fact that he has been an elected representative for over 30 years although his PR colleagues, including PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, have served for longer.

“I have been a state assemblyman for over 30 years beginning in 1982 and over a decade as an MP,” he told Sinar Harian in an interview.

The Marang MP said if he did not contest any seat, he would be free to campaign across the country to strengthen the party.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also did the same during the Election 2008 campaign as he was barred from contesting due to a criminal conviction for abuse of power.

But the former deputy prime minister’s presence across the country was said to be a key factor in opposition parties denying Barisan Nasional (BN) its customary two-thirds hold of Parliament and five state governments.

According to Sinar Harian, Hadi also offered to contest just one seat in the next general election instead of defending both his federal and Rhu state seat.

“It is up to the party to evaluate whether the state or federal seat is more suitable,” he said.

He added that the Islamist party had many leaders coming up through the ranks who could be given the chance to shape the future of the party.

“I was given the responsibility of leadership and representing the public when I was too young. I became vice-president in my 30s. It has been too long,” he said.

His decision may cause unease within PR as Anwar, Nik Aziz and the DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh are among those who have run in elections at least as far back as the former Terengganu mentri besar.