PAS sukar tembusi Sarawak, pengaruh PBB masih kukuh, kata penganalisis

PAS is expected to face challenges in expanding its influence in Sarawak due to strong support from the Muslim-Melanau community for the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), according to a Malaysian analyst. Jayum, an analyst from Felo Akademi Sains Malaysia, stated that the Muslim-Melanau community has no strong reason to switch their support to PAS, as their interests are already well-represented by PBB.

"To date, there is no reason for Malay-Melanau-Muslims to choose a different party, as their interests are safeguarded by PBB and its Malay leadership for the past six decades since 1970," he told FMT. Jayum predicted that PAS will contest four seats in the Sarawak PRN, including Samariang, Sebuyau, and Beting Maro, following its success in winning a DUN seat in Sabah last November.

PAS Sarawak representative Arifiriazul Paijo previously mentioned that the state government has proposed plans to be finalized at the central level. PAS Sarawak also considers targeting another seat, either in the Bintulu or Sibuti parliamentary constituencies, which will be announced later. Jayum noted that the prospects of PAS in Sabah may not replicate in Sarawak due to differences in the political landscape.

He referred to PAS Sabah deputy chairman Aliakbar Gulasan's victory in Karambunai PRN 2025. Nearly 70% of Sarawak's population, comprising non-Malay citizens, have less satisfaction with PAS's direction and focus, according to Jayum. Lee Kuok Tiung from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said that Sarawak's "first" sentiment and the preference for a local party are among the main challenges PAS faces in the state.

Lee added that the locals are well aware of the role of the local party, particularly in advocating for the state's rights under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63). "The successful combination of the Sarawak Party (GPS) in articulating the narrative that only the local party understands and is responsible for safeguarding the MA63," he said.

Lee also highlighted the GPS's advantage in terms of strong voting patterns, substantial financial resources, and a record of development in the major Bumiputera Islamic regions. "The current trend shows the rise and growing preference for local parties. Long-standing national parties struggling to retain their seats in Sarawak and Sabah face difficulties in maintaining their representation," he added.

Controversies involving some PAS leaders from the Peninsula recently might generate negative reactions among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Sarawak's majority non-Muslim society, even though PAS seeks to contest in majority-Muslim areas, he noted.