PAS needs to adopt a more moderate stance if it wants to form the next federal government, an analyst has said, as the party cannot secure a strong majority on its own.
Syaza Shukri, from the International Islamic University Malaysia, stated that PAS has more or less reached its peak performance.
Limited Growth Potential
While the party could gain a few additional seats in Pahang and Selangor, it would face significant challenges in winning support in the southern states.
Even securing around 50 seats would fall short of the numbers needed to form a government independently.
Need for Coalitions
Syaza pointed out that PAS would still require alliances with other parties to govern.
This explains the party’s recent efforts to engage with Umno, MCA, and MIC, as well as the ruling coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak.
She noted that PAS is clearly aware of this political reality.
To form a government, the party would need to moderate its approach.
Syaza added that even if PAS were to lead a government, it might not be as concerning as some fear.
She made these remarks at a conference organised by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, a think tank.
Context of Solo Run Proposal
Syaza was responding to questions about the implications of PAS contesting the next general election independently.
In January, PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin suggested that the party should go solo in the 16th general election if the deadlock over appointing a new Perikatan Nasional chairman persisted.
He argued that the matter had dragged on too long and that PAS, relying on its own strength, could perform strongly, particularly in the four states it currently controls.
Last week, a former aide to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin indicated that Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party opposed a PAS leader assuming the PN chairman role following Muhyiddin’s resignation on January 1.
The opposition stemmed from concerns over the party’s hardline image.
About The Author
