KUALA LUMPUR: PAS continues to face challenges in broadening its appeal beyond its Malay-Muslim base, despite its dominance within Perikatan Nasional (PN). Azmi Hassan, writing in Sinar, notes that while PAS’s situation mirrors DAP — with each drawing strong ethnic support — the party lacks equally strong allies within its coalition.
In Pakatan Harapan (PH), DAP relies on PKR, Amanah and even UMNO in the unity government to form federal strength. In contrast, PN’s partners such as GERAKAN and splinters from MCA and MIC have failed to gain traction among non-Malay voters.
“During Barisan Nasional’s heyday, UMNO’s strength elevated MCA and MIC. In PN, PAS plays UMNO’s role but has not been able to empower GERAKAN in the same way,” he noted.
Winning Non-Malay Support
Critics argue PAS’s leadership is perceived as too extreme to win over non-Malay support, despite having an Associate Membership scheme for non-Muslims. Unlike UMNO in its prime — which, though branded “extreme” in defending Malay rights, still maintained a moderate top leadership to ease anxieties — PAS lacks a balancing voice at its highest level.
With the Ulama Council signalling that Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man will remain as President and Deputy President, the top five PAS leadership positions are expected to stay unchanged heading into the 16th General Election (PRU16).
Azmi believes this entrenches PAS’s strength among Malay voters but keeps it constrained in attracting non-Malays. “Without a broader coalition appeal, PN’s path to defeating the PH-BN alliance in PRU16 will remain steep,” the observer added.
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