PAS will need vision, not just optics


No carte blanche: Dr Sam (centre) with other PAS leaders including (from left) deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, and secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. Many non-Muslims are asking if Dr Sam would have sufficient clout as the powerful ulama call the shots in the party. — AZMAN GHANI/Filepic/The Star

PAS leader Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is viewed as articulate, professional and amicable, unlike many other party leaders with their hardline rhetoric.

So his appointment as the head of Perikatan Nasional is widely seen as a calculated move by PAS to soften its image and broaden its appeal beyond its traditional base.

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Wong Chun Wai , On the Beat column
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang and served Star Media Group for nearly four decades in various capacities and roles. He was group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. "On The Beat" debuted on Feb 23, 1997. Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for occasional press holidays when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star. He is now chairman of national news agency Bernama.

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