PAS at risk of division if it joins coalition govt - analysts

PAS at risk of division if it joins coalition govt - analysts


Published: Aug 30, 2024 12:23 PM


If PAS joins the coalition government, it risks facing further division and losing the support of its voter base, political analysts said.

It would be irrational for PAS to join the Pakatan Harapan and BN government in the current political climate, especially if it has to leave Perikatan Nasional to do so, said Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin political science lecturer Hussain Yusri Zawawi.

He told Malaysiakini that such a decision could be seen as a betrayal as PAS would be perceived as joining forces with DAP or other parties not in line with the Islamist party’s ideology.

This is because PAS’ history has shown that its supporters are sensitive to any form of compromise that seemingly weakens its Islamic principles, he explained.

“For example, PAS' participation in Pakatan Rakyat back then caused some internal tension in the party, especially when PAS was seen as having to compromise with DAP on important issues.

“Even though Pakatan Rakyat eventually split, the experience was a lesson for PAS about the risk of joining a coalition that is too ideologically different,” he said.

Hussain was asked to comment on PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin’s statement that there were efforts from certain quarters inviting the party to join the coalition government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Utusan on Tuesday reported Hashim as saying that the matter had been raised and briefly discussed in the party’s ulama council, adding that the matter will be studied before any decision is made.

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin


In 2015, PAS experienced a split after it departed from Pakatan Rakyat. Former progressive party leaders broke away to form Amanah, which is now a Harapan component party.


Not with DAP

Separately, Hussain said DAP’s presence is the main obstacle for PAS to join the coalition government.

DAP’s stance and policies are inconsistent with PAS’ agenda, he said.

“The tension between these two parties has been going on for years and has been one of the main reasons why PAS chose not to be together in a coalition involving DAP.

“So in principle, it is impossible for PAS to join a coalition government involving DAP,” he explained.

Similarly, Universiti Putra Malaysia political analyst Nur Ayuni Md Isa expressed her view that it would benefit PAS to remain in the opposition until the 16th general election.

PAS plays a more significant role as the opposition in performing the checks and balances function, she said.

“PAS and PN can help improve the quality of decision-making and prevent behaviour that may threaten integrity,” she said.

Ayuni added that PAS has thus far cooperated seven times with parties of various political backgrounds.

Bersatu chief Muhyiddin Yassin (left) and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang


Although it would be easy for PAS to forge new political collaborations, she warned that it would be difficult for it to ignore its work with Gerakan and Bersatu.

“After all, every party in the coalition government has cooperated with PAS before.

“But PAS is a party that will not abandon political cooperation without a good reason,” she said.