PAS’s ‘green wave’ surge a challenge for Bersatu, says analyst

“The ‘green wave’ is a fitting term because PAS has taken control of four states. That’s why political observers refer to it as the ‘green wave’. Not the ‘red wave’ because Bersatu seems to be sinking”

(FMT) – The “green wave” narrative used to portray PAS’s influence in the wake of the general election last year appears to have disquieted its Perikatan Nasional (PN) ally Bersatu, an analyst says after concerns raised at the latter’s annual general assembly last week.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Bersatu might find itself overshadowed when the term “green wave” is employed.

“When you talk about the ‘green wave’, people see PAS. They don’t see Bersatu. Perhaps that is why some factions in Bersatu do not favour the green wave,” he told FMT.

During the party’s annual general assembly, Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu had voiced concern about linking the “green wave” with the surge of Malay and Muslim voter support for PN.

Faizal said such an association could be dangerous, with the potential for sowing racial animosity or denigrating a particular race.

Mazlan however said the “green wave” narrative was a source of pride for PAS as it showed its expanding influence and support.

He drew parallels with the term “political tsunami” used in 2008 to describe the success of DAP, PKR and PAS in wresting Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Penang from Barisan Nasional.

“The ‘green wave’ is a fitting term because PAS has taken control of four states. That’s why political observers refer to it as the ‘green wave’. Not the ‘red wave’ because Bersatu seems to be sinking,” he said.

“Although the leader of PN is Muhyiddin Yassin of Bersatu, PAS appears to be more dominant.”

Meanwhile, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Bersatu needed to assert itself more strongly in challenging PAS’s views, especially to attract non-Malay voters to PN.

Azmi said Bersatu must demonstrate strength, especially in controlling PAS’s extremes in religious matters.

“For example, say PAS opposes Coldplay concerts and beauty queen competitions. Bersatu could release a slightly contradictory statement to show that it is not extreme and can stand against PAS,” he said.

And while some might associate the term “green wave” with negative connotations, Azmi said this would not pose a significant problem for PAS given its administration of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

“At the national level, PAS is content to be in the opposition as it controls four states.

“But Bersatu is aiming for the federal government. Without the support of non-Malay voters, it will be difficult for Bersatu to take ground, whether in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor or Melaka.

“To become the federal government, they need the non-Malay vote,” he said, adding that the cooperation between PAS and Bersatu was more beneficial to the party led by Abdul Hadi Awang.