DATUK Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has downplayed PAS’s long-term prospects in Malaysian politics, claiming the party will retain its grip only in the ‘Malay belt’ due to what he termed as a “cult-like obsession” among its followers rather than broader national appeal.
The UMNO Supreme Council member said that while PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang is seen as a figure with global Islamic credentials, he lacks the political magnetism to attract non-Malay voters.
“Hadi is a religious man, and PAS is a party that exploits religion for power. He remains unchallenged because of the blind loyalty of his followers,” Puad wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
“Therefore, PAS will remain a status quo party in the Malay belt. That’s all.”
His remarks followed recent praise from Cukai assemblyman Hanafiah Mat, who lauded Abdul Hadi as possessing a depth of thought that surpassed ordinary men, with a vision said to encompass both worldly and spiritual realms — despite his ongoing health issues.
However, Puad argued that PAS’s influence lies not in its ideological sophistication, but in the deeply entrenched loyalty of its support base.
“Even when its splinter party, Amanah, openly rejected Hadi’s leadership as irrelevant, PAS did not break apart or waver,” he observed.
Puad contrasted this with Amanah’s growing acceptance among non-Malay communities, which he said has allowed it to join the ranks of Malaysia’s governing parties.
“Amanah was right in distancing itself, as it now enjoys support from non-Malays and holds power,” he said.
As for non-Malay-based parties aligned with PAS, Puad was dismissive.
“Minor parties like Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) are mere passengers, not because they admire Abdul Hadi, but because they have no real traction elsewhere,” he added.
Puad’s comments reflect a broader critique from within the Barisan Nasional coalition, questioning PAS’s relevance in a multi-ethnic political landscape while highlighting the challenges religiously oriented parties face in expanding their base beyond the Malay-Muslim electorate. - June 8, 2025
