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THE PAS Ulama Council has been urged to evolve beyond its traditional role of educators and religious advisors by becoming strategic thinkers who contribute to policymaking on economic, legal and governance issues.
Addressing the 64th PAS Ulama Council Muktamar, council chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said it was time for religious scholars to help shape national policy based on Islamic principles, rather than confining themselves to academic and jurisprudential debate.
“Ulama must act as problem-solvers, not merely educators. Fiqh discussions must be expanded and translated into clear policies that benefit the people,” he said.
Ahmad proposed the creation of a faith-based think tank by the Institute of Islamic and Strategic Studies (IKIS), in collaboration with universities, to craft practical, Shariah-compliant policy solutions. He said Islamic economics, governance, legal reform and education should serve as the starting point.
“Islam offers a holistic system for all areas of life and should serve as a governance framework. Islamic nations, including Malaysia, should no longer rely on models imported from the East or West,” he added, quoting Imam Hasan al-Banna on Islam’s ability to address both national and global challenges.
He stressed that academic discourse must inform government decision-making and that ulama should be bold in proposing visionary national directions. “Such discussions must become the foundation for decisions at the highest levels,” he said.
Meanwhile, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin endorsed a proposal by PAS Youth for the party to lead the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition and nominate a candidate for prime minister.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the same assembly, Hashim said PAS’ political strength within PN made it the logical leader. He also warned against unilateral decisions by coalition members.
“I raised this concern two years ago — that all major PN decisions must be made through consultation. Yet, some still act independently. As a senior party member with no personal agenda, I must say, that’s not how it should be,” he said.
Hashim emphasised that any candidate for prime minister must embody moral integrity, humility and a sincere commitment to public service, guided by Shariah and ethical leadership.
“The true essence of leadership is to avoid sin, govern with compassion, and guide the people spiritually. Those who remain with the congregation shall not stray from the righteous path,” he said in his keynote speech.
He added that PAS would only announce a prime ministerial candidate once PN receives a mandate to govern, stating that there was no urgency to unveil a “poster boy” before the next general election.
Responding to debates on whether a religious scholar or professional should be nominated, Hashim said the party was rich with capable leaders from both backgrounds. He cited the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat as a prime example of a spiritual leader who exceeded expectations in political office.
“When he was appointed as Kelantan’s Menteri Besar, many doubted his capabilities. Yet he led the state with integrity for 22 years,” he said. - September 13, 2025