PAS’ influence seems nigh unstoppable: scholar

KUALA LUMPUR – At the current rate, the growth of PAS’ influence in Malaysia’s political landscape as a leading force seems unstoppable, said a renowned academician in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Due to its strong grassroots for generations, PAS has been able to sustain and regenerate its position among the urban, semi-urban, and rural populations – and it could be flourishing further in the next five years.

“PAS listens to the voices on the ground. Many people are influenced by the religious groups, including their parents who are disillusioned with some national political leaders who have been highly questionable over time,” said Datuk Denison Jayasooria of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies.

Four years ago, at a post-election talk at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Denison predicted that PAS’ influence should not be underestimated and could be a dominant force in the next two general elections. 

PAS had won 18 parliamentary seats in the general election of 2018.

When asked if he was surprised with PAS’ success in the 15th general election, held last Saturday, under the coalition of Perikatan Nasional, he said: “While PKR has strengthened itself in certain areas, the divide is very wide based on this election result, as PAS identifies itself with young talent and potential.” 

“From winning 18 to 49 (seats) is the biggest jump in their history, and they are looking unstoppable,” he said. “They have identity politics and are ideology-based. PAS and DAP are very similar: driven by convictions.”

Denison compared the Islamist political tsunami to the success of India’s Hindutva party Indian People’s Party (BJP) eight years ago. 

“PAS is also quite similar to BJP and how it has become a powerful force with the majority community.”

He said that it is important for analysts to study Muslim sentiments on the ground.

“I think political parties have to understand this fresh and major swing in political inclination – the trend of Malays shifting to a stronger appreciation of PAS and religious components.”

However, Denison noted that PAS’ religious position “might not be progressive in respecting diversity”.

Also, all political parties must address local concerns such as poverty and inequality, especially among B40 Malay communities,” he said. 

“I think more efforts should be undertaken to build bridges and appreciate diversity in upholding the federal constitution,” he added.

For an ideology-based party to be accepted nationwide, he said: “PAS should consider having a national partner, especially with political parties in Sabah and Sarawak.”

“There must be an effort to reach out to them for a dialogue. We need to understand the swing in political inclination among youth and first-time voters. We must not forget that voters are getting smarter.

“While there are some segments with low political literacy, there is also a growing maturity of political behaviour among the voters,” he noted. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022