Wawasan can soften PAS’s image, draw fence-sitters, say analysts

Perikatan Nasional (PN) may use Wawasan to soften the hardline image of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and gain support from non-Malay voters, according to an analyst. Wawasan's open membership to Malaysians of all races and religions could serve as a conduit for PAS to broaden its influence beyond its traditional strongholds, said Mazlan Ali, an analyst from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

PAS and Bersatu severed ties on June 8, but both parties remain in PN. Hamzah Zainudin, a former Bersatu deputy president and PAS member, launched Wawasan, which joined PN alongside Pejuang. Wawasan's presence could help PAS attract non-Malay votes and improve PN's image, said Mazlan. However, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia disagreed, stating that Wawasan's role is to attract non-Malay support, not to change PAS's hardline image.

Syaza said Wawasan cannot achieve this alone and that Umno's presence may be essential to reshape PN's perception. The presence of former Cabinet members like Hamzah and Saifuddin Abdullah, who have experience in portfolios such as home and foreign affairs, could also help PN counter perceptions that the coalition lacks governing experience, according to Syaza.