PAS masih perlukan jenama PN, kata penganalisis

Politics analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani believes that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) platform could be key to PAS's ambitions to challenge Putrajaya. Asrul explains that PN's name might help PAS soften its dogmatic image and attract a broader support base, while Universiti Sains Malaysia academic Azmil Tayeb contends that PN could serve as a bridge to regions that have not experienced strong PAS influence.

They argue that this could help the Islamic party gain influence in urban seats, enabling it to expand beyond its traditional stronghold. Asrul, who is also the deputy chairman of The Asia Group consultancy, told FMT that PAS would limit its reach if it contested under its own banner, as it would diminish its desire to become the next government.

He says PN provides PAS with a ready-made national opposition platform, allowing the party to broaden its identity to encompass purely Islamic features. Azmil notes that the value of PN to PAS also lies in its ability to provide access to regions that previously lacked PAS influence. "Being part of PN gives PAS access to regions of Malaysia that did not have influence from the party.

This was evident during the 2015 PRU," he tells FMT. However, Azmil believes that expanding PAS influence largely involves increasing Malay-Islam influence throughout the country, rather than building a broader appeal among diverse communities. "PN's aim has always been to maximize Malay votes by focusing on a Malay-Islam unity agenda, which it does by sacrificing non-Malay votes," he says.

While PAS ran solo in the 2016 PRU, Azmil believes its foundations were strong enough to secure at least 30 seats, ensuring the party remained a major player post-election. However, PN may not be able to use its platform for contesting elections in the near future after the Elections Department (JPPM) suspended all its activities on 23rd September following complaints from Bersatu, another component party of PN.

JPPM also issued notices requesting PN to explain why it should not be canceled. PN has filed a petition for judicial review to challenge both notices, and also seeks clarification on Bersatu's complaint and its eligibility to field candidates, particularly for the upcoming Melaka PRN. Asrul says PAS's decision to take legal action on the JPPM notices shows that the party aims to maintain its influence within the alliance, rather than abandoning it.

PN's Deputy Chairman, Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the party's Deputy Chairman, notes that PAS may not be ready to fully leave PN but might try to ensure the alliance operates according to terms that reflect PAS's strength and does not restrict local seat discussions or the 2016 PRU strategy. Discussing reports that PAS and Umno are considering cooperation in the upcoming elections, Asrul says PAS has always been pragmatic in politics and has repeatedly adapted to alliances when it found a better route to power.

This includes previous cooperation with DAP under Pakatan Rakyat, Umno under Muafakat Nasional, and recently with Bersatu under PN.