Dilemma for PAS
As the party prepares for its 59th annual ‘muktamar’, calls for the leadership to review current partnership with Pakatan Rakyat is gaining traction.
Hawkeye, FMT
PAS will once again revisit the issue of whether to remain within the Pakatan Rakyat set-up during its 59th annual ‘muktamar’ (gathering) to be held in Selangor, next month.
The call for the Islamist party to review ties with socialist-driven DAP or reformist-minded PKR, has surfaced again, just when party veterans and delegates will sit down to elect its next round of leaders.
This is the third time since 2008 that there has been a call from within the party ranks to review their position in PKR, a loose alternative opposition front to the ruling federal coalition Barisan Nasional.
In terms of strength, Pakatan only has three entities, but BN draws its resources from 13 parties from the peninsular as well as Sabah and Sarawak, not to mention the largest political party, Umno.
This time, the call seems to be getting louder, coming from PAS’ ulama ranks – its Terengganu-based Ulama Council chairman Harun Taib, a close confidant of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.
Over the weekend, Islamist activist Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Noordin echoed a similar call. Partly to blame for this current situation is the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
According to PKR secretary-general, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the ROS has up till now yet to validate Pakatan’s application to be registered as a political party.
Hafiz is a former Penang PAS Youth head and his constant criticisms of the party has resulted in the leadership censuring him amid calls for his expulsion.
Party losing support among Muslims
However, when asked about it, Hafiz brushed it off, saying that the reality in the villages is that PAS is fast losing support among the Muslim electorate.
“Perhaps, the affluent communities and disgrunted ex-BN supporters may stay on with PAS, but their numbers pale in comparision, particularly in the rural areas where PAS is the most strongest,” he said.
“Now, Umno is also seen as strong in the rural areas so who does PAS reach out to? The outcome of the last GE is strong indicator, so PAS should leave Pakatan and stand on its own strength,” added Hafiz.
