In a statement today, the wing’s vote counting centre said Akmal obtained 2,432 votes, 76 votes more than Hilman’s 2,356.

“The official results are subject to the announcement by the party election committee soon,” it said.

Earlier this month, FMT reported a Bersatu Youth leader as expressing concerns that the strong relationship between PAS and Bersatu’s youth wings may be strained if Hilman – believed to be aligned with Selangor Bersatu chief Azmin Ali – wins in the party elections.

“Look at the Kuala Kubu Bharu and Mahkota by-elections led by Azmin. Did PAS Youth show up strongly (for the Bersatu candidates)? No … because they aren’t particularly fond of that particular faction.

“Many are worried that PAS Youth might discreetly boycott the PN Youth machinery, especially in seats contested by Bersatu in the next general election,” he told FMT.

Current youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal did not defend the post having crossed the age limit. He is vying for a seat on the party’s Supreme Council.

The main party elections in November will see Muhyiddin Yassin retain the party’s presidency uncontested.

Hamzah Zainudin, the current secretary-general, faces no contest for the deputy president’s post. He will replace Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is vying for one of the three vice-president slots instead.

Faizal faces competition from incumbents Radzi Jidin and Ronald Kiandee, as well as Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Kuang assemblyman Rafiq Abdullah, and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.

Azmin is sitting out this election, with speculation rife that he is set to take over from Hamzah as the party’s new secretary-general.