THE greatest challenge for PAS in the upcoming general election will be making inroads in non-Muslim areas, said political scientist Prof Dr James Chin.
“The problem is most non-Muslims feel that a PAS administration would ultimately lead to an Islamist nation, and they would eventually be relegated to second class citizens,” he said.
He said that though PAS may be able to make greater inroads among Muslim voters, it would still need a good majority from the non-Muslims to have an impact
Political observer Rahmad Isahak said PAS will grow from strength to strength and will be a political force for decades to come.
“It is just whether they can measure up to governing well or not," said the correspondent, who has since retired as a journalist.
PAS in last month's muktamar declared that it plans to seize three additional Malay-dominant states of Pahang, Selangor and Perak.
This is hoped to supplement the party's current control of Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Chin also believes that PAS is being very vocal now because they are uncomfortable with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin leading the Opposition bloc of Perikatan Nasional (PN) due to the latter's "political baggage."
Muhyiddin was slapped with corruption charges while his son-in-law is regarded a fugitive by the Malaysian Anti - Corruption Commission (MACC).
It is believed that PAS is also not comfortable with Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali, the former lieutenant of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Chin said that the apparent cracks in PN, especially over who should become the next prime minister if they regain control of Parliament, is unsettling for now.
Parti Amanah Nasional vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar reckons that PN was put together just to claim power and to deny Anwar his rightful place as prime minister.
"They do not have any idea about governance nor have economic policies to help the country navigate the present geo-political strife following the US - China global trade war."
So, there is a degree of risks in supporting PN, said Mahfuz.
Chin believes that PAS's main objective through PN, is to knock off Anwar rather than for any of their leaders becoming the next prime minister in the next election.
"PAS may, however, see someone as its first ever deputy prime minister," he said. - October 4, 2025.
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