KUALA LUMPUR – It would be improbable for PAS to quit being an “ideological party” as that is its sole “weapon” to remain relevant in national politics, at least according to one religious non-governmental organisation.
Another academician concurred that it would be unimaginable for PAS to detach from religious and racial rhetoric, as long as it helps the Islamist party to garner votes.
National Dakwah Council chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Mahmood Zuhdi Abdul Majid is of the view that PAS will harp on ideology matters until the end of time.
We have to look at the state of the party. If PAS does not speak about ideology, then it has no place,” he told The Vibes’ sister portal, Getaran.
“That’s its capital. It’s like Umno…if it doesn’t speak about development, what else can they talk about? That is its capital.”
Because of that, he opined that politics in this country is “broken” and in dire need of reform.
Meanwhile, Prof Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, a political science lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said it is not surprising that PAS will continue to play up this type of rhetoric leading up to the 15th general election (GE15).
Fauzi said it is because it is the party’s core strength and it is seen to be “excellent” at it.
This issue (race and religion) is certainly the most beneficial for the party to gain support. It does not matter whether it is good or not for national harmony.
“To what extent this benefits Keluarga Malaysia, that is another matter entirely.
“We see that there are certain statements that divide certain races, but this gives leverage to the party to achieve its goals.”
In addition, Fauzi believes that PAS leaders who hold positions in the federal government are aware that the main issues plaguing the Malay community and the people at the moment are the rising cost of living and the surge in prices of goods.
“Such disappointment is what made certain leaders such as Datuk Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali (Kuala Nerus MP) leave PAS, because he has experience as a cabinet minister… of course, he would think from a national perspective.”
Fauzi said PAS’ rhetoric would be more relevant among Malays living with a “besieged mentality” who believe that their community is always threatened by the non-Malays – as though the race, institution and religion are at stake.
Coordinator of Research for Social Advancement, Fakhrurrazi Rashid said PAS failed to present thoughtful ideas in solving the people’s woes, especially during geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
At the same time, Fakhrurrazi said, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s stance on the “Malaysian Malaysia” concept is seen as a political move ahead of GE15.
Hadi, in his recent Facebook post, said PAS rejects the “Malaysia belongs to Malaysians” concept, which is DAP’s basic principle, to portray that the party led by Anthony Loke rejects racial supremacy.
Fakhrurrazi said Hadi’s harsh front would come as a hurdle for him to garner the support of the Malay community, who are more inclined to choose a moderate party in the general election.
“This only increases the chances of opponents Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan to get votes from fence-sitters.
“PAS’ image would be a liability to Bersatu and its Perikatan Nasional allies.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2022
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