{
  "id": 5475308,
  "title": "YOURSAY | PAS' evolution from 'lebai' to statesmen a pipe dream",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/yoursay-pas-evolution-from-lebai-to-statesmen-a-pipe-dream",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malaysiakini",
    "slug": "malaysiakini-malaysiaki",
    "url": "https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/783518"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ulama Wing of PAS has called for the party to evolve from a \"lebai\" party catering to only one race to a birthplace of statesmen. However, this call clashes with PAS's actual track record. The Ulama Wing chief admitted that PAS is a \"lebai party\" as it only caters to one race and has a narrow political vision. This is unlike the opposition DAP, which is seen as more inclusive.\n\nPAS's leaders have been criticized for failing to prove their ability to manage or grow the economy. Economic performance in PAS-led states in Malaysia remains mixed, generally lagging behind the national average in GDP per capita and grappling with higher poverty rates. While Kedah has shown improvements, it is largely due to external factors rather than PAS's own economic policies.\n\nThe Ulama Wing's call for PAS to evolve sounds noble, but it faces significant challenges. PAS has not demonstrated strong business acumen or credible leadership in economic policy. Moreover, the party's focus on identity politics based on race and religion is seen as regressive and damaging to Malaysia's multicultural and multifaith social fabric.",
  "summary": "'Call sounds noble, but it clashes with the party's actual track record.'",
  "key_points": [
    "PAS Ulama Wing calls for party evolution to statesmanship",
    "Current track record shows PAS remains a lebai party",
    "Economic performance in PAS-led states lags behind national average"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The call for PAS to evolve into a party of statesmen appears unlikely given its track record of narrow racial focus and lack of credible economic leadership.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "YOURSAY | PAS' evolution from 'lebai' to statesmen a pipe dream",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/yoursay-pas-evolution-from-lebai-to-statesmen-a-pipe-dream-5481179",
        "published": "2026-09-04T03:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}