The failure of PAS’ soft approach
Recent by-elections have shown that ‘tarbiyah’ does not work in the short term.
(Free Malaysia Today) – It is obvious from PAS’s recent by-election losses that its strategists are wrong about rural Malays being resistant to aggressive campaign approaches.
Umno managed to win them over despite its aggressive – at times even dirty – tactics.
To try to win in the Umno strongholds of Bagan Pinang, Tenang, Merlimau and Kerdau, PAS decided on a gentle educational campaign that it calls the “tarbiyah” approach, fearing that an aggressive offensive would put off voters there.
It has proven to be a miserable failure.
Opposition supporters were hoping that the party would have learnt its lesson after the Tenang defeat and abandon the tarbiyah method for Merlimau and Kerdau.
Indeed, a national PAS leader told FMT soon after the Tenang vote that the approach had failed and that he hoped the party would not use it anymore for short-term campaigns .
The Arabic word “tarbiyah” implies patient nurturing. It refers to the long but consistent process of persuading someone to accept something that he is initially against.
Opposition supporters generally agree that it is a good long-term strategy for PAS to use in trying to win over Umno supporters.
However, as the recent by-elections have shown, it is not suitable for short and hectic campaign periods. The moment a seat falls vacant, it is time to suspend tarbiyah and go on the offensive.
Shock treatment needed
An aggressive campaign might awaken some Umno supporters who have been lulled by Barisan Nasional (BN) propaganda and the little handouts that are dished out during the campaign periods.
A little shock treatment from PAS could have the effect of making them think about the rights that they have been cheated of. It might not help PAS take over the Umno seats, but it might save it the embarrassment of heavy defeats.
PAS should remember this when Parliament and state assemblies are dissolved for the next general election.
It will then be time for battle, not tarbiyah. Umno and BN will be going into the fray with guns blazing and their supporters will not be in any mood to listen to any soft lectures.
