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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright September 2024
In a bold new strategy for electoral success, PAS seems to be rewriting the political playbook with a proposal that truly takes the phrase "winning hearts and minds" to a whole new level.
The latest suggestion from PAS Selangor Youth Secretary Aubidullah Fahim, during the party’s 65th Muktamar, is that party members should marry individuals from different races and cultures to attract non-Malay and non-Muslim votes. That's right, it seems political alliances can now be sealed with wedding vows.
Now, in case anyone doubted the commitment of PAS leaders, they’ve already been setting impressive precedents in the marriage department. Sanusi, the party’s campaign director, recently took on a second wife, and let’s not forget that many PAS leaders seem to be ardent supporters of pluralism—if only in terms of their matrimonial arrangements.
But Aubidullah has really taken it up a notch. His grand vision of political union goes beyond forming mere alliances or coalitions. He’s suggesting that we swap campaign buses for bridal cars. After all, what better way to "capture" votes than by literally marrying into them?
Imagine the campaign strategy meetings: “OK, folks, here’s the plan. First, we knock on doors, then we propose!” And no, this isn’t just about capturing *one* vote. According to Aubidullah, this is a numbers game: marry one, and “InsyaAllah,” you’ll bring in tens, maybe even hundreds, of votes.
Suddenly, voter outreach is sounding more like a family reunion—complete with in-laws, cousins, and that one uncle who’s not quite sure how he feels about your party but will vote your way to keep the peace at dinner.
It almost makes traditional campaigning seem dull in comparison. Why bother with debates, town halls, or even social media outreach when you can go straight to the altar?
Aubidullah even graciously volunteered the PAS Selangor Youth Chief to be the first to "initiate" this matrimonial maneuver, though one wonders how volunteers will be selected. Perhaps the next party convention will include a matchmaking booth?
Of course, there are bound to be a few logistical challenges. For one, PAS members might need to brush up on their wedding vows and speeches. It’s not every day you vow eternal love and political allegiance at the same time. And let’s not even get started on the dowry negotiations—does the bride price now include a strategic voting bloc?
Some cynics might suggest that such a proposal reduces the sacred institution of marriage to a mere political tool. But hey, in the grand tradition of Malaysian politics, maybe it's just about building bridges—one in-law at a time.
In the meantime, perhaps PAS should start developing a “National Marriage Unity Tour,” complete with speed dating events at the Muktamar.
After all, if it’s a numbers game, there’s no time to waste. The next election is coming, and PAS members might want to start brushing up on their marriage vows... and their campaign slogans. Right now!
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