Strategi jangka panjang di sebalik PAS beralah di Melaka

Analysts suggest that the long-term strategy behind PAS aligning with Barisan Nasional (BN) in Melaka stems from the party's realization that it lacks significant influence in the region. (Picture: Bernama)

Syaza Shukri, an analyst from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, stated that PAS, on its own, faces challenges in forming a government, and therefore, cooperation with BN offers opportunities to join the state government. PAS is considering cooperation with BN, aiming to prove its capabilities with the hope that the people will eventually choose PAS for its own strength.

Previously, during the PRN Melaka run-off, PAS Deputy Spokesman Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the party learns from past experiences and is not eager to overstep in seeking additional seats in the run-off with Umno. In this PRN, PAS and its allies in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) contested in five DUN seats, while BN contested in 23 seats.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, from Global Asia Consulting, added that PAS recognizes its limited influence in Melaka. He believes that PAS should focus on the potential for cooperation in the future, particularly in PRU16. Zaharuddin expects PAS to take a more assertive stance in dominant states such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

PAS firmly asserts that seats won by PAS cannot be compromised and will be retained, but PAS is open to cooperation in seats held by Umno. Syaza noted that the slogan of "Ummah Unity" is a political strategy to attract the support of Malay voters, but PAS's current strategy prioritizes the party's interests.

If PAS becomes dominant, Syaza believes the party will not continue with the concept of "unity of the Ummah." Therefore, the strategy now seems that PAS realizes there is room for the party to expand its influence in Melaka, but it is not worth competing with Umno, she concluded. Zaharuddin agreed, stating that both PAS and Umno will face a dilemma due to their competition over the same seats.

To become dominant, PAS also needs more Malay seats, making it another dilemma and constraint for the future, as both parties are essentially competing for the same seats.