PAS still needs the PN brand, say experts

Political analysts contend that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) platform remains crucial for PAS's aspiration to assume control of Putrajaya, the Malaysian capital. Experts point to PN's brand as a means for PAS to temper its rigid image and broaden its appeal to a larger constituency. Furthermore, they argue that PN could provide PAS with the ability to penetrate regions where the party currently possesses limited sway, thus enabling it to expand its political footprint beyond its traditional strongholds.

Asrul Sani, an analyst at The Asia Group, told FMT that by joining PN, PAS would gain a "ready-made" national opposition platform, thereby allowing the party to broaden its identity beyond its strictly Islamic character. Azmil Tayeb, an academic from Universiti Sains Malaysia, added that PN's value to PAS lies in its capacity to serve as a bridge to geographic regions that the party has historically neglected.

However, Azmil cautions that any expansion of PAS's reach would likely involve consolidating Malay-Muslim support throughout the country rather than cultivating a more diverse, multiracial appeal. He notes that while PN's primary objective has been to maximize Malay votes by emphasizing the agenda of Malay-Muslim unity, this approach may come at the expense of non-Malay votes.

Despite this, Azmil believes that PAS still possesses a robust electoral base capable of securing at least 30 seats in the 15th general election, ensuring that the Islamic party remains a significant player in Malaysian politics. Nonetheless, PAS's ability to utilize the PN platform may be contingent upon the ambiguity surrounding the coalition's status as a registered organization.

In September, the Registrar of Societies (RoS) suspended the activities of PN, following a complaint filed by one of its components, Bersatu. The RoS subsequently issued another notice, instructing the coalition to explain why it should not be deregistered. PN has responded by filing a judicial review application, challenging the two notices and seeking clarification on Bersatu's complaint, as well as whether the coalition is eligible to field candidates, particularly in the upcoming Melaka state election.

Asrul Sani suggests that the decision to take legal action against the RoS shows that PAS, whose vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is the coalition's chairman, aims to maintain control over PN rather than disband it. He expects PAS to ensure the coalition operates under terms that reflect PAS's strength and do not hinder its seat negotiations or strategy for the 16th general election.