Was the timing by PAS to announce its "grand" intention spot on…?
The recent “out-of-the-blue” announcement by PAS’ spiritual advisor Hashim Jasin that his Islamist party was capable of taking over the leadership of the opposition has certainly added more spice to the already “hot” local political scene; but in the process, did it leave the opposition Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin an unwilling pawn in a high-stakes chess game?
For the record, Hashim had caused a stir recently after he was quoted as saying that PAS was more suited to lead the coalition and that it has not endorsed Muhyiddin to be PN’s prime minister candidate in GE16; apparently, this was in response to Bersatu’s Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan who had earlier insisted that his party president should remain the opposition’s choice for the top post.
Nevertheless, the open discord in the opposition camp over such a basic matter must have surely set tongues wagging amongst observers and critics while sparking fresh conversation over PAS’ growing political aspirations.
Does Hadi and his party already have a plan in place to rule the country?
While some may claim that it is somewhat foolhardy and premature for the Islamist party to be dreaming big, there is no doubt it does seem to be growing in confidence with already four states in the northern and eastern belt of the peninsula in its bag; additionally, of course, it has the “honour” of having former statesman Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its de facto economic advisor!
In fact, it cannot be denied that the party has been flexing its political muscles more often recently, one prime example being the controversial incident over the waving of China flags during a cultural event in Teluk Intan last month where it had snubbed its nose at the authorities by holding a hastily organised counter protest over what may have been a non-issue.
But while the rest of the country may look at PAS and scoff at its so-called flagship state of Kelantan over its lack of development, they may be doing it at their own peril; this is because the real “jewel in the crown” for the Islamist party may not be Kelantan or even the more progressive Kedah - but Terengganu!
Terengganu… the pride of PAS?
The party’s long time president Hadi Awang may often be the target of criticism by many in this country due to his hardline stance which often goes against the face of what this multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation stands for; however, against all odds, the shrewd “ulama-cum-master politician” has also quietly turned his home state Terengganu into the only state in the country without any opposition representation!
Yet, in spite of that, the state has remained progressive thanks to its oil and gas-based industries and a dynamic state administration led by a technocrat in the much admired Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, which inevitably will beg the question: does PAS intend to use the Terengganu model of a progressive yet conservative Islamic state for the Malaysia that it envisions?
Is Dr Samsuri being positioned as the heir apparent to Muhyiddin?
Interestingly, Dr Samsuri who is a highly-educated professional and who seems to effortlessly portray the image of an amiable gentleman-politician, is also known to be an ardent follower of his party president Hadi Awang; thus, isn't it obvious who the Islamist party may have in mind as their potential “poster boy” for the next general election?
While the thought of a hardline ulama leading this multi-ethnic nation may put off the non-Muslims and moderate Malays in the country, the proposition of having a non-aggressive, pragmatic personality such as Dr Samsuri as a fresh-faced prime minister may yet appeal to many who may feel let down by the Anwar-led Madani government as well as those who may have lost hope in the current PN chairman; and there is no doubt that PAS knows this well too!
But having said that, only last Thursday (Nov 21) it was reported that a construction worker, a father of five, was poised to become the first person there to be caned in public for a repeat khalwat (close proximity) offence!
Moreover, it must also be remembered that in Terengganu unisex saloons, including those owned by non-Muslims, are not allowed to operate, while a national furore was sparked earlier after the state’s women’s gymnastic team was “banned” from participating in competitions because of their sporting attire.
Given these and other potential restrictions on personal freedom, it is expected to be an uphill task indeed for PAS to win over its doubters, especially the non-Muslims and progressive-minded Muslims in the country; and in that context, it may still need Muhyiddin and his Bersatu party in the scheme of things in order to render the PN coalition an appearance of moderation and to give it some semblance of inclusivity.
As such, the bottom line here is: won't its recent announcement to sidestep its coalition partner Bersatu and install one of its own party leaders to lead the nation one day, only serve to further weaken the already rudderless opposition bloc? A case of wrong timing…?
Information source: Malay Mail, Sinar Daily, Star, NST and FMT
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