PAS masih perlukan jenama PN, kata penganalisis

Analysts say the Platform Perikatan Nasional (PN) could be the key to PAS's ambitions to challenge Putrajaya, according to Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, a political analyst. Asrul suggests that PN's name could help soften PAS's doctrinaire image and attract a broader base of support, while Azmil Tayeb, an academic from the University of Sains Malaysia, believes it could serve as a bridge to regions where PAS has had little influence.

Both experts argue that this could help PAS gain seats in district councils and expand its reach beyond its traditional strongholds. However, Asrul also notes that PAS would struggle to advance its agenda if it ran alone, implying that joining PN would provide a ready-made national opposition platform. Azmil elaborates that becoming part of PN would give PAS access to areas that have previously lacked the party's influence, potentially allowing it to contest more seats as it did during the 2015 General Election.

Nonetheless, Azmil emphasizes that expanding PAS's influence is primarily about increasing its appeal among Malay-Islam voters rather than building a broader coalition. While PAS fielded candidates in the 2016 General Election on its own, Azmil believes that the party's support base was strong enough to secure at least 30 seats, ensuring it remained a major player post-election.

However, PAS will not be able to use the PN platform for the upcoming election as the Election Commission (JPPM) suspended all its activities on September 23. This followed a complaint by Bersatu, another PN component party, against the coalition. JPPM issued a notice demanding PN explain why it shouldn't be canceled, and PN has filed a petition to challenge both notices.

PN has also filed a petition seeking clarification on the Bersatu complaint and whether it is eligible to field candidates, especially in the upcoming Melaka state election. Asrul, PAS's deputy president and PN chairman, says PAS may not be ready to abandon PN entirely but may try to ensure the coalition operates under terms that reflect PAS's strength and does not constrain its district contesting or PR16 strategy.