PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah said anyone could contest in the party polls as long as they fulfilled the requirements.

“But if Hadi wants to defend the post, we welcome it,” he told FMT.

Amar said Hadi was still needed by PAS, primarily due to his experience and know-how.

This morning, Hadi said he wanted “to die while still in office” when asked to comment on rumours that he wished to step down from the post he had held since 2003 because of health issues.

Last month, Sinar Harian reported that the seven-term Marang MP had hinted at stepping down due to health reasons.

In February, a PAS source told FMT the party was likely to hold a contest for its top two posts at its elections this year, for the first time in a decade.

Hadi and PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man have not been challenged for the posts since the 2015 party elections.

Separately, Terengganu PAS assistant secretary Hanafiah Mat said he appreciated the fact that Hadi welcomed the views of members who want him to stay on as president.

“It’s not just the Muslims (who want Hadi to remain) but the non-Muslims as well who benefit from his influence,” he said.