Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS): Unifier of the Ummah?

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) traces its history to 1951, when it was set up by a group of religious scholars many of whom were from the United Malays National Organization (UMNO). Since its establishment, the party has developed a rich history both in government and in opposition. In Malay-majority states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, PAS has a strong support base. Indeed, they are currently the lead party in these states’ administration, with a comfortable majority in the legislative assemblies. In Kelantan and Terengganu, PAS can rule without the need for support from any other party. Additionally, as part of a coalition, PAS also has experience in governing richer and more cosmopolitan states such as Penang and Selangor.

At the federal level today, PAS has eighteen MPs with unquestioned loyalty to the party. There is virtually no popular discussion about the possibility of any PAS MP crossing over to another party. In 2019, PAS formed a partnership with UMNO under the banner of Muafakat Nasional. It then agreed to join the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition with eleven other parties, to form a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in February 2020. The support of PAS MPs was instrumental in the downfall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government and the formation of the PN government. And their continued participation in the government is crucial, for without them the government would fall.

The approach taken in this study is to explain the subject by using PAS’ own views to justify and explain its actions and strategies. The aim is not to assess or judge the party, but to capture and document its stance in a coherent fashion. Since there has been so much movement in Malaysian politics of late, it is important to keep in mind that this study covers the period up to the end of September 2020 only.

The next section provides a brief background of the party. The essay will then explore some of the major decisions made by the party in recent years, focusing in depth on its attitude towards political partnerships with other parties. PAS’ participation in both Muafakat Nasional and PN will be discussed.