PAS’ latest sharia law push signals its Malaysian federal power ambition
Malaysia’s foremost Islamist party has set an early pace ahead of national polls, calling on the country’s Malay-Muslim majority to endorse its renewed efforts to broaden the reach of sharia law. On Wednesday, the Kelantan state assembly – which is dominated by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) – unanimously passed amendments to the Kelantan Syariah Offences Enactment Bill, in a bid to…
The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) is pushing for the expansion of sharia law in Malaysia ahead of the upcoming national polls. The Kelantan state assembly, dominated by PAS, recently unanimously approved amendments to the Kelantan Syariah Offences Enactment Bill, aiming to overcome constitutional hurdles that blocked the criminalization of certain acts under Islamic law.
In 2024, Malaysia's highest court ruled that 16 provisions in a previous set of amendments to the state's sharia law were unconstitutional, as those offences overlapped with common law, which prevails in criminal cases. The latest amendments replace specific descriptions of sexual acts, such as sodomy, with broader language stating that Muslims must refrain from engaging in sexual activities contrary to Islamic law.
Political analysts suggest that while PAS's goal of implementing sharia law nationwide is hindered by the Malaysian constitution, the state-level efforts serve to demonstrate the party's dedication to Islamic values and strengthening Islamic law among its constituents. PAS is on the verge of becoming the single largest party in parliament, having won 43 of 222 seats in the 2022 election, driven by a surge of Malay support.
The party is in a strong position to form a coalition with Umno, a partnership that recently solidified power in Negeri Sembilan state, previously held by Anwar Ibrahim's ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. The Kelantan amendments, along with PAS's recent efforts to halt gambling license renewals in Kedah state, demonstrate PAS's intent to assume a leading role in any potential partnership with Umno heading into the general election.
PAS's stance is also seen as a test of Malay unity, as the party sets the agenda and forces Umno to decide whether it can oppose issues framed around sharia law. PAS's leadership in this matter is gaining traction, as evidenced by their ulama council's statement that it is up to voters to decide whether PAS will gain federal power and enact these changes.
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