ISLAMIC-based political parties can be accepted by the non-Muslims in the country if they underline their struggle based on universal issues rather than the narrow mindset of identity politics, which drives the race and racial divide.
Parti Amanah Nasional vice-president Adly Zahari said Muslim politicians can be successful worldwide if they champion pressing issues and undertake the universal values of showcasing sincerity and transparency, besides competency in political narratives.
He cited examples of how Muslim leaders have become mayors in the most prosperous cities in the world, such as New York and London.
"They rose to prominence by championing issues, not by dividing the base simply on the notion of race and religion," said Adly.
And they won, although the majority of the electorate are non-Muslims.
He said that moderation and progressive politics championed by Islamist organisations and politicians worldwide hold the barometer for how Amanah needs to consolidate despite the wave of identity politics gripping the country.
And in Malaysia, the example is fighting the culture of corruption and cronyism.
"We take note that we were rejected in Johor and Negri Sembilan, but we must hold to our principles of moderation and not be baited by those wanting to split the country just by the token of race and religion," said Adly.
What is good cannot be washed away by the sentiments of politics with the decadence of using identity politics to win votes, said Adly.
Amanah also sought for PH to beef up the 3Ms (machinery, mission and media) if it wants to stop the spread of the blue and green waves.
Amanah secretary-general Muhammed Faiz Fadzil said PH needs to improve on the 3Ms if it is to survive the wave of identity politics.
Faiz, who is the son of former PAS president the late Datuk Fadzil Noor, said that PH needs to reorganise its machinery into one of efficiency so its campaign can be felt in all corners of the country.
He said PH also needs to regain its edge in the media and social media by employing experienced individuals to get the proper messaging across and to counter the rhetoric of identity politics, which is dominant now.
Faiz said that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) had revealed that 90% of the youths in the country are on social media and use it for references. - August 3, 2026.
