PAS Youth’s muktamar drumbeat: real or cosmetic unity?

The PAS Youth’s muktamar drumbeat at their annual assembly two weeks ago sparked debate – was it genuine unity or a superficial display? The performance, a blend of traditional drums from Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai cultures, stood in stark contrast to past assemblies and was seen by many as an attempt to improve PAS’s image among non-Muslim communities ahead of the next general election.

The Islamic party has a history of employing symbolic gestures to foster unity, yet critics argue that these acts are often nothing more than a band-aid, offering a fleeting sense of harmony that dissipates once the performance ends.

While the drumbeat appeared to be an inspiring moment of shared harmony, with people of different ethnicities striking the same drum and swaying in unison, the reality is far more complex. The unity felt during the performance is fleeting; upon returning to their daily lives, individuals face segregated schools, unequal opportunities and continued political rhetoric focused on race and religion. True racial unity requires more than a momentary display of unity; it demands structural changes and a commitment to equity.

The question at hand is whether the PAS party’s incorporation of multi-ethnic elements into its opening ceremonies is merely a cosmetic gesture, considering its controversial stance on minority rights. Social media critics express deep-seated distrust amongst minority communities towards the party, stemming from long-standing political grievances. PAS leader Abdul Hadi Awang’s emphasis on Malay-Muslim supremacy has further fueled this mistrust.

For genuine unity, PAS must move beyond cosmetic displays and provide clear policy assurances that protect the rights of all citizens. Manifestos play a crucial role in this regard, serving as commitments to voters that demonstrate a party’s understanding of societal challenges. However, political parties often fall short of their manifesto promises, as demonstrated by Pakatan Harapan’s struggles after failing to translate pre-election pledges into actual policies.

Ultimately, if PAS were to come to power and openly declare its aim to make Malaysia an Islamic state, ban gambling, or restrict non-Malay ministers to certain roles, voters would have chosen those policies. In a democracy, the extent to which pre-election promises are fulfilled is crucial for political legitimacy. The writer emphasizes that voters deserve the government they choose, and PAS must provide concrete policies to earn trust and legitimacy.