A chance for PAS to showcase its strength
The muktamar next month gives PAS the opportunity to show it has the will and capacity to lead the country forward.
(Free Malaysia Today) – The PAS muktamar (general assembly) next month will be an important platform for the Islamic party to prove that it is a force to be reckoned with and not just a bit player in the political landscape.
“People are watching us closely. PAS leaders must not only be mindful of the internal presssure of its members but also the external pressure of the public, including the non-Muslims,” its central committee member Mujahid Yusof Rawa said.
Since 2008, PAS, as a partner of Pakatan Rakyat, has come under the microscope of many Malaysians, he added.
Therefore, the party must rise beyond the current level of politics to prove beyond reasonable doubt that it is a strong political force, he said.
This muktamar can be seen as a suitable platform for it, Mujahid added.
When the 1,000-plus delegates enter the hall at the party’s training headquarters in Taman Melawati, Gombak, from June 2, they are likely to be gripped by three external issues, which may influence the voting patterns for its office-bearers.
The three are the sex video scandal which allegedly incriminates Pakatan leader Anwar Ibrahim, the issue of pastors allegedly praying for Christianity to be the country’s official religion and an offer by Umno for PAS to join forces for the sake of Malay unity.
Like it or not, the delegates would likely address the three controversial issues, but Mujahid is confident that they have the “maturity” to handle them and close ranks after the party election.
Initial feedback from the nomination process in its 179 divisions shows that a battle royale is shaping up for the post of deputy president where the incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa may be challenged yet again by party strongman Mohamed Sabu.
Both have indicated a desire to contest the post but with contrasting styles – Nasharuddin prefers a low-profile approach while Mohamed is openly canvassing for support.
There are indications that the posts of vice-presidents – currently held by former PAS Youth head Sallehudin Ayub, Pahang PAS commissioner Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Mat and Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar – would also see a jostling for the three slots.
Mujahid said that PAS must acknowledge that the public and many of its own members have high hopes that the party can give birth to a new culture of strong political principles instead of the present “gutter politics”.
Showing the new political culture
The party also needs to convincingly quash attempts by Umno to get PAS to join forces for the sake of Malay unity, he said.
Mujahid said that there was some public phobia about the PAS political struggle, with the impression given that the Islamist party is orthodox.
This is where Mujahid hopes the party can break the barrier and show the people during the muktamar that it has the will and capacity to lead the country forward instead of just being labelled as an opportunist, winning only when Umno is weak.
