UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has voiced skepticism over PAS's ability to establish itself as a truly national political force, contending that the party remains largely confined to strongholds within the Malay-majority regions of Malaysia.
According to Puad, while PAS commands significant loyalty among its core base, particularly in the so-called “Malay heartland,” this support does not appear to extend meaningfully beyond ethnic and religious lines. He implied that the party's rigid ideological stance may hinder its ability to resonate with the country’s broader multi-ethnic population.
Puad suggested that the party's strength lies not in cross-community appeal but in a deeply entrenched support network, one that functions with a near-unchallenged devotion to its leadership. In his view, this internal solidarity, while a source of resilience, also reflects a resistance to internal renewal or reform—traits that may prevent PAS from adapting to Malaysia’s evolving political landscape.
He also touched on the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, noting that while Hadi's religious background and international recognition in Islamic circles are respected, these credentials have not translated into widespread appeal across Malaysia’s plural society. The party, Puad implied, continues to operate within a framework that prioritizes religious alignment over inclusive politics.
Contrasting PAS’s trajectory, Puad highlighted the role of Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), a party formed by former PAS leaders, which has aligned itself with the ruling coalition and succeeded in engaging more diverse voter segments. This, he argued, reflects a more inclusive and pragmatic approach to contemporary politics.
In critiquing PAS’s efforts at forming alliances with non-Malay parties such as Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), Puad questioned the actual influence these parties wield. He expressed the view that such alliances are symbolic rather than substantive, offering limited contribution to the coalition’s overall strength.
Puad’s remarks appear to echo ongoing concerns within segments of Barisan Nasional regarding the challenges faced by parties that rely heavily on religious or ethnic appeal. Without expanding its outreach, Puad cautioned, PAS risks remaining influential only within familiar territories—effective regionally, but unable to claim a truly national mandate.
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