Commentary: Malaysian opposition occasion Bersatu’s lack of self-discipline has given PAS extra management | USAEMALL.com

PAS IS GAINING GROUND

Bersatu’s woes may force PAS leaders to reconsider the political union. For PAS, Bersatu has been its avenue to reach out to Malays who are less religiously conservative. 

Because it is seen as more inclusivist, PAS members have, for some time, allowed Bersatu, the smaller party in PN, to hold key positions in the coalition without compromising loyalty to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. Only time will tell if they have the patience to tolerate Muhyiddin. 

PAS can either force Bersatu to commit to a party succession plan acceptable to PAS, or push ahead on its own, since it has consolidated its power base in the East Coast and Northern states in Peninsula Malaysia. If Bersatu replaces Muhyiddin, there is a chance PAS will accept Hamzah as its prime minister candidate, since he is already accepted as the leader of the opposition.

As Bersatu is faltering, PAS is gaining ground. With religious legitimacy and formidable grassroots machinery, PAS does not need to prove that it has party discipline; it already commands it. It will emerge as the dominant Malay party by default. 

PAS is already asserting its power: This can be seen in its recent call for a PAS prime minister candidate and its expressed goal of winning 80 seats in the next general election (it won 43 in the 2022 elections). 

Although it is unlikely that PAS would be able to capture Putrajaya on its own, the party will likely be the biggest opposition party. It could also become a kingmaker in the event that Malaysia sees another hung parliament. 

Muhyiddin must now decide whether Bersatu will be remembered as a vehicle of Malay political renewal or another casualty of infighting and decline. He must seriously consider passing the baton to the next leader.

Syaza Shukri is a Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. She is also an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia. Norshahril Saat is a Senior Fellow and Coordinator at the Regional Social & Cultural Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. This commentary first appeared on the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s blog, Fulcrum.