KJ would be ‘selling out’ if
he joins PAS, says analyst
Syaza Shukri says former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin does not share the same political ideals as the Islamic party.
Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said she agreed with the former law minister’s suggestion that contesting under PAS would give Khairy the best shot at winning an election.
“PAS’s machinery can easily get him elected in any Malay-majority constituency.
“But then Khairy would be selling out. PAS doesn’t really represent his political ideals. Is he willing to jump parties—like Zaid—just for political survival?” she told FMT.
She said that Khairy is doing well as a political pundit, referring to his role as co-host of the “Keluar Sekejap” podcast set up with former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.
“If he starts to choose a side then this whole thing falls apart. To be honest, Khairy would need to start from the bottom in whichever party he chooses to join right now, in terms of proving his loyalty.
“Why do that and cause uproar? He should just enjoy the independence he has now,” she said.
Zaid on Saturday said that Khairy should join PAS if he wants to make a political comeback, adding that the party offers the best path for his return to Parliament and eventual rise to power.
He said that Khairy had two “realistic” choices – form his own party or contest as an independent. However, he said the former would be an uphill battle.
Zaid said if Khairy found those two choices too daunting, he should join PAS. Zaid, a former Kota Bharu MP, also said Khairy should declare his political direction as soon as possible.
However, Syaza and another analyst, Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, said there was no urgency for Khairy to announce his next move.
Asrul said that Khairy already had a lot going for him with his highly popular podcast and appearance on a radio station to showcase himself and his political views.
“He doesn’t need to declare his political direction early in the game and open himself up to personal attacks and smear campaigns,” said Asrul, of strategic advisory firm ADA Southeast Asia.
He added that Khairy is ambitious, and for him to consider joining a political party, there must be a clear path for him to become the party’s president and even the prime minister in the future.
“Although PAS could be an important ally for him, joining it may not align with his aspirations,” Asrul said.
PAS could use someone like Khairy
Both Asrul and Syaza, however, said that PAS stands to gain if Khairy were to join the party.
Asrul said that PAS could leverage Khairy to attract more urban non-Malay votes and diversify its support base. Khairy would also have the opportunity to expand his reach and increase his popularity within the Malay electorate.
“What PAS stands to gain is a form of ‘credibility’ from having a so-called reformist within its ranks. They can then claim PAS is a ‘party for all’ and not just conservative Muslims,” Syaza said, referring to the Islamic party’s slogan.
KJ is such an opportunistic chameleon... I wouldn't be surprised if his calculations lead him to joining PUS...
ReplyDeletePUS is the Islamist wave of the future.
Resistance is Futile.