PETALING JAYA • The role of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) spiritual leader following the death of Datuk Dr Haron Din is expected to be filled by his deputy, Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yaakob.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said Datuk Ahmad, 66, would take over the post as acting spiritual leader for the time being as he is next in line under the party's hierarchy.

"A meeting will be held later to formalise the appointment," he said.

PAS Dewan Ulama chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed concurred with Mr Takiyuddin, saying that Mr Ahmad is the most suitable person to take over from Dr Haron.

Mr Ahmad, who is the Kelantan PAS commissioner, was appointed as Kelantan Menteri Besar after the general election in 2013, replacing the then PAS president Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who served as Menteri Besar for five terms.

Dr Haron died at Stanford University Hospital in San Francisco on Thursday (Friday, Singapore time), hours after he slipped into a coma due to heart complications. He was 76. His remains were buried at the Five Pillars Muslim Cemetery in Livermore, California, on Friday (US time).

Dr Haron's son Hamdi confirmed that his father was laid to rest in the United States.

"It was not an easy decision for us. But with a heavy heart, we chose to arrange for his burial as soon as possible. Baba had told us several times that he wanted to be laid to rest wherever he breathed his last.

"So we chose to bury Baba in California. His body will be cleansed and prepared for burial and the jenazah prayer (prayer for the dead) will be held after the Friday prayers at the AnNur Mosque in Santa Clara," he posted on his father's official Facebook page on Friday.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK