Strategi jangka panjang di sebalik PAS beralah di Melaka

Analysts believe that the long-term strategy behind PAS' decision to accept offers in the Melaka constituency talks is to build influence, according to Syaza Shukri from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia. PAS struggles on its own to form a government, but working with BN opens up opportunities for them to join a state government, she said to FMT.

PAS' strategy is to cooperate with BN, take on responsibilities, demonstrate capability, with the hope that the people will one day choose PAS for its own strength, she added. Before the PRN Melaka constituency talks, PAS Deputy Spokesman Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the party learns from past experiences and does not want to overstep in constituency contests with Umno.

This time around, PAS and its ally in Perikatan Nasional (PN) are contesting in five DUN seats while BN is contesting in 23 constituencies. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri from Global Asia Consulting noted PAS' lack of strong influence in Melaka as a reason for its acceptance of offers. However, PAS might be considering potential future cooperation, especially in the 2016 PRU.

This is more important, he said. PAS will take a stronger stance in a state where they are dominant, such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. PAS firmly believes that constituency seats cannot be compromised, but they can cooperate in seats held by Umno, he added. Meanwhile, Syaza believes that the unity of the ummah is a political slogan to attract Malay voter support, but PAS' strategy at this time is more about the party's interests.

Should PAS gain dominance one day, they may not continue the concept of unity of the ummah, she said. Hence, the strategy now is that PAS recognizes there is room for the party to grow influence in Melaka, but it is not worth competing with Umno, she added. Zaharuddin believes PAS and Umno will face a dilemma as they are competing for the same seats.

To become dominant, PAS also needs more Malay seats, so this is among the dilemmas and constraints for the future as both parties are competing for the same seats, he said.