Selangor voters can judge PAS by SG4, says analyst

Selangor voters can assess the Islamic party PAS's ability to govern the state by examining its performance in four Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led states known as the SG4, says an analyst. Akademi Nusantara's Azmi Hassan explained that the economic achievements and governance style of PAS in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu serve as real-life examples for Selangor voters.

PAS governed these states either directly or from 2022 to 2025. In contrast, Selangor has been under Pakatan Harapan (PH) rule since 2008. Analysts have suggested that a collaboration between the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS could challenge PH's dominance in Selangor, as both coalitions might unite Malay votes. PAS's election director, Sanusi Nor, emphasized that securing Selangor from PH would be crucial for the party to topple the coalition in the 16th general election.

However, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man dismissed the need for an alternative budget, pointing to the party's proven track record in governing other states. Any shift in Selangor's political landscape would require a concrete policy plan to convince voters, business leaders, and investors, according to Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia.

Yet, she noted that PAS's current strategy focuses on rallying its existing supporters rather than outlining detailed policies. UTM's Mazlan Ali emphasized that Selangor's Malay electorate is distinct from other states and that the party would need to address practical concerns like the economy, housing, transport, and education to sway urban Malay voters.