PORT DICKSON: Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has been elected as PAS Youth chief.

       Ahmad Fadhli, who was previously the wing's deputy chief, defeated Kubu Gajah assemblyman Khalil Yahya in a straight fight for the party post.

       He polled 508 votes compared to Khalil's 128.

       Former Youth chief Senator Khairil Nizam Khirudin did not seek re-election.

       The party’s former vice-chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamuddin was elected deputy.

       Afnan Hamimi, who is also political secretary to Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, secured 489 votes as against the 147 obtained by Farkhan Md Zain.

       Farkhan is now the new Federal Territories PAS Youth chief.

       Former Selangor Youth chief Hanapi Zulkafli won the post of vice-chief, polling 473 votes as against the 163 received by Zuzalee Ariffin.

       A total of 636 delegates voted in the party polls.

       Ahmad Fadhli later told reporters that the wing will propose to the party leadership to field at least 50% young candidates in the coming general election.

       "We need more young candidates as there will be more young voters in the general election.

       "We have at least 10 youth clubs in the wing and these will be used to get more support from the young voters," he said, adding that these included women and other professionals.

       Ahmad Fadhli said the youth wing also supported the party's stance to strengthen cooperation between parties in Muafakat Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.

       "That is the best option for us to face the general election," he said.

       Ahmad Fadhli also expressed confidence that Umno, PAs and Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu will reach an agreement to avoid three-cornered fights in the Melaka polls.

       "I am optimistic there will be a solution to this," he said, adding that PAS is expected to make an announcement on this anytime soon.

       Ahmad Fadhli also expressed hope all parties will strictly observe the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Nov 20 Melaka state polls.

       "There has to be a level playing field for all parties.

       "I am confident this will be the case as Umno, which is in the government, was fined for not observing the SOPs at an event held to launch its election machinery in Kuala Lumpur," he added.