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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Fielding non-Muslims could help PAS woo non-Malays, says analyst
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: Faiz Zainudin Text Size: An analyst said dissatisfaction among non-Malays towards Pakatan Harapan could give PAS an opening, but only if the Islamic party addresses deeper, structural issues. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Analysts have proposed two key strategies for PAS to win over non-Malay voters, namely fielding non-Muslim candidates in safe seats and highlighting the party's achievements in its administration of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis – also known as the SG4 states. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said PAS must move away from political rhetoric if it hoped to shift perceptions among non-Malay voters. Advertisement 'So far, PAS has yet to demonstrate that it is a better option than DAP or PKR, as there's little to be proud of in its administration of the SG4 states. 'PAS must tone down its extreme rhetoric and focus on showcasing its ability to govern by making the SG4 a better model than the states governed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional. That's what it needs to do now,' he told FMT. PAS vice-president Amar Nik Abdullah previously said that the party was targeting non-Malay voters who were disillusioned with the government ahead of the 16th general election, acknowledging however PAS's struggle to win over that segment. He said PAS faced the challenge of finding more convincing ways to gain the trust of non-Malay voters while preserving its clean image and integrity to maintain its support among the youth. Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said dissatisfaction among non-Malays towards PH could give PAS an opening, but only if the Islamic party could address deeper, structural issues. 'These include concerns about religious freedom and racial harmony, and rejecting theocratic narratives. Without such changes, discontent with PH will only be temporary, as non-Malay voters still find it difficult to accept Perikatan Nasional (PN). 'PAS also needs to overcome the longstanding distrust, including the fact that it once branded non-Muslims as infidels (kafir) – something that still lingers in the memory of many non-Malays.' PAS must be sincere in fielding non-Muslim candidates Awang Azman added that dissatisfaction with PH did not automatically mean that the non-Malays were ready to support PAS. 'PAS must be bold and sincere in placing non-Muslim candidates in winnable seats – just as Umno does with MIC and MCA – as a genuine sign of cooperation with non-Muslims. This shouldn't just be rhetoric or a symbolic gesture,' he said. Rusdi Omar of Universiti Utara Malaysia said that to attract non-Malay support, PAS must move away from an overemphasis on religious, racial, and royal sentiments, and adopt a more moderate approach. Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said PAS and PN would need to work harder than PKR, DAP, and Amanah did when they were in the opposition by championing mature politics free from racial elements. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Stop attacking, we're on the same side, DAP man tells MCA
Published on: Thursday, May 08, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 08, 2025 By: Faiz Zainudin, FMT Text Size: Johor DAP vice-chairman Sheikh Umar Ali said DAP has been consistent in its principles. (X pic) PETALING JAYA: A Johor DAP leader has said there is no need for MCA to attack his party which is part of the coalition forming the unity government following allegations of inconsistency on the part of DAP. 'Unless MCA is out to weaken the current government – then it is free to attack and label DAP as it chooses,' Sheikh Umar Ali, the Johor DAP vice-chairman, told FMT, adding that DAP had been consistent in its principles. Sheikh Umar, a former assemblyman for Paloh, said DAP joined forces with parties in the unity government, including its rival Umno, to ensure political and economic stability as ordered by the king. 'Our collaboration with parties in the unity government is for the people and the country,' he said. MCA is a Barisan Nasional component. Its former vice-chairman Ti Lian Ker recently said that the inconsistency shown by DAP on matters of principle was among the main reasons that MCA would never join forces with its bitter rivals. Ti said DAP had 'sung different tunes' at different times to suit its interests, adding that it had flip-flopped on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PAS, among others. The former deputy unity minister had touched on DAP's alleged inconsistency when commenting on a suggestion that MCA merge with the Pakatan Harapan component. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
