Mahfuz, a PAS MP, is seen as an outsider due to his close association with Pakatan Harapan leaders.

At the 63rd muktamar, Hamdan Sani said PAS could make inroads in Sarawak if the issues faced by the people of Sarawak and rural issues were highlighted by a Sarawak PAS representative in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Therefore, we suggest (to the PAS leadership) to consider placing a Sarawak PAS representative to stand in a winnable seat in Peninsular Malaysia.

“For example, I am willing, if chosen, to stand in Pokok Sena. Not just that, we also have Iban leaders who are present here today,” he said when debating the PAS president’s opening address.

Hamdan said if other parties couldn’t defend the interests of the Ibans, then PAS as an Islamist party will “stand by the Ibans”.

Although still officially a PAS member, Mahfuz has been seen attending events with Pakatan Harapan leaders despite PAS’ refusal to work with Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP and Amanah, which are bitter rivals of PAS.

He has also criticised PAS, leading to calls from PAS leaders for him to leave the party.

Meanwhile, Suria Narayanan, a delegate from the PAS Supporters’ Wing also had the delegates laughing with his speech.

He urged Mahfuz to repent and “return” to PAS so that the Pokok Sena seat wouldn’t have to be given away to Sarawak PAS.

He also spoke on former Perak menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, his “beloved brother” who took the “wrong bait” and joined Amanah.

“I love him because he was good in his struggles. I am confident God will open his eyes and he will come back to PAS, not just him but all those who left PAS.”

In the 2013 general election, Mahfuz beat Barisan Nasional’s Shahlan Ismail with a 3,935-vote majority. He is not attending this year’s muktamar.