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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright October 2023
The 69th PAS muktamar has concluded, leaving the political landscape in Malaysia buzzing with anticipation. The Islamist party's unwavering determination to seize more states and parliamentary seats if a snap general election is called is evident.
PAS's Deputy President, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, has called on its members to be prepared for a snap election, believing that it could be just around the corner.
PAS's recent success, often referred to as the "green wave" phenomenon, is notable. The party won the most parliamentary seats in the last election, securing 43 seats, and gained 208 state seats, accounting for 46.8% of the total state seats in the country. Tuan Ibrahim aptly labels this momentum as the "people's wave," emphasizing its widespread support. The signs are clear that PAS, along with its allies in Perikatan Nasional (PN), is making inroads into their rivals' strongholds.
One remarkable achievement was PAS's victory in Penang, where they captured seven out of the 11 PN state seats in the last state election, marking their highest number of wins in Penang to date. Additionally, Muhammad Fawwaz Mat Jan, the former Penang PAS Youth head, caused a major upset when he defeated incumbent Nurul Izzah Anwar in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat. Nurul Izzah is the daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his address to the delegates, Fawwaz singled out DAP as a major obstacle in PAS's quest for an Islamist-based nation due to DAP's secularism struggle. He voiced concerns that elected representatives who do not understand or respect the teachings of Islam might enact laws that are more secular or liberal than Islamist.
PAS proudly showcased the four states under its rule – Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu – and the leadership of its four leaders. This balance between ulama and technocrats is expected to drive economic development in these states, often considered among the poorest in the country, while upholding religious obligations.
Shukri, the leader of Perlis, highlighted these states' ambition to reduce dependence on federal aid. The muktamar also concluded with PAS rejecting any overtures to work with the Anwar-led Madani unity government, signaling its shift from alliances it once considered.
PAS faces the challenge of balancing its hardline religious policies with more subtle moderate approaches.
Leaders like Samsuri, who seek to bring development to the state while working with business figures like Tan Sri Vincent Tan, exemplify this shift. The party's next challenge lies in finding equilibrium between moderates and hardliners as it aims to expand its influence beyond its current strongholds.
In conclusion, the likelihood of a snap election in Malaysia appears to be growing, and PAS is gearing up for the challenge. With its recent successes, the party is well-positioned to make further political gains.
However, it must navigate the complex terrain of balancing its traditional religious values with more moderate, development-focused policies. Hiring a better public relations manager and a new branding consultant might also be helpful to polish its image.
The future political landscape in Malaysia is undoubtedly intriguing, and all eyes are on PAS as it prepares itself for the possibility of a snap election.
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