PAS’s Narrative Advantage in Malaysian Politics: A deep Dive

As the “Green Wave” of 2022-23, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) has significantly shaped the political narrative in Malaysia. Despite not being in the federal government, PAS has leveraged cultural and historical narratives to expand its influence, creating challenges for the ruling coalition.

PAS’s Rise: From “Boring” to “Exploding”

PAS recognized an possibility in the surge of interest in Malay history, particularly after the release of the film Mat Kilau in 2022. This intervention was crucial to PAS’s success. One PAS communicator explained, “previously, we where boring and seen as anti-hiburan (entertainment).” By artfully using the history surge, “boom, kita meletup (we exploded).” While the party is not in government, “kerajaan goyang (the government shook).”

This strategic shift allowed PAS to establish itself as a cultural defender, potentially displacing mainstream national history narratives. PAS is now deploying Kedah’s claim to re-absorb Penang. Kedah’s PAS Chief minister, Sanusi Nor, intends to release a report drawing on colonial sources to assert Kedah’s entitlement to a greater share of revenues from Penang. He argues that Penang Island, which was initially made available to the East India Company in 1786, should return to Kedah’s control.

Strategic Dilemmas and Future Ambitions

PAS faces a critical decision: weather to consolidate its power in the north or expand its appeal nationwide. The party communicator acknowledged the tension between these positions. “I’m not an ustad (religious teacher),” he said, adding, “It’s good for us to have people who aren’t so preachy, I understand that.”

However, some PAS members want a more assertive stance against the current government. “Because we can’t just shout our angriness,” the communicator explained, recognizing that PAS’s rhetoric can alienate non-Malay and non-Muslim communities. “We must better handle some people on our own side. The ustads and the scholars must have some discipline… PAS has to manage that,” he concluded.

Navigating Narrative Battles and Minority Concerns

PAS has attempted to attract minorities in the past with slogans like “PAS For All” and by focusing on a “welfare state” rather than an “Islamic state.” However, these efforts have struggled to gain traction.

The incentives for PAS to create narratives that favor its political agenda remain strong, making it challenging to together convince minorities of its commitment to protecting their rights. Consequently, community leaders remain skeptical that PAS will prioritize their interests. “They’re all in cahoots with each other,” one community leader said,expressing the fear that Malay Muslim-dominated parties intend to Islamize the state. “They say we’ll protect you, but then they bring in the very same stuff.”

These leaders are concerned about being accused of “Islamophobia” when advocating for minority rights. They emphasize the need to “stick to the constitution” to avoid providing grounds for such accusations.

For example, the malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) argued against placing officers from the department of Islamic Advancement Malaysia (JAKIM) in every government department, fearing intrusion into non-Muslims’ affairs. PAS and others condemned this statement as Islamophobic.

Conclusion: A Complex Political Landscape

PAS’s narrative advantage presents both opportunities and challenges. While its current approach resonates with its base and strengthens its bargaining position, it also risks alienating crucial segments of the population. The party’s ability to balance these competing interests will determine its future success in Malaysian politics. As the political landscape evolves, it is crucial to remain informed. Share this article with others to foster a deeper understanding of PAS’s role in Malaysia’s political future.

To what extent does PAS’s emphasis on Malay cultural identity contribute to or detract from its ability to build a broader national coalition in Malaysia?

PAS’s Narrative Advantage in Malaysian Politics: An Interview with Dr.Alia Ahmad

Archyde News recently sat down with Dr. Alia Ahmad, a political analyst specializing in Malaysian politics and religious movements, to discuss the rise of Parti Islam semalaysia (PAS) and its impact on the contry’s political landscape. Dr. Ahmad’s insights provide valuable context to the current “Green Wave” and its implications.

The “Green Wave” and PAS’s Narrative Shift

Archyde: Dr. Ahmad, thank you for joining us. PAS has undeniably become a important force in Malaysian politics. What, in your opinion, is the key to their recent success, particularly the “Green Wave” of 2022-23?

Dr. Alia Ahmad: Thank you for having me. I think PAS has been particularly effective in tapping into a resurgent interest in Malay history and culture. The release of films like *Mat Kilau* provided a fertile ground. PAS successfully positioned itself as a defender of Malay identity and tradition, which resonated strongly with a segment of the population. They moved from being perceived as “boring” to incredibly relevant by aligning with these cultural undercurrents.

Strategic Challenges: Consolidate or Expand?

Archyde: PAS now faces a strategic dilemma: should they consolidate their power in the north or try to broaden their appeal nationwide? What are the implications of each path?

Dr. Alia Ahmad: It’s a crucial decision. Consolidating in the north gives them a secure base,but it limits their national influence. Expanding nationwide requires a more nuanced approach. they need to appeal to a broader demographic, including non-Malays and non-Muslims, which means moderating their rhetoric. The internal tension between different factions within PAS, some favoring a more hardline stance, makes this a arduous balancing act. Their current narrative seems to be swaying between being too malay-centric to appeal to the non-malay voters.

Minority Concerns and the Fear of “Islamophobia”

Archyde: PAS has a history of struggling to attract minority voters. How can they address concerns about their commitment to protecting minority rights, especially given the current political climate?

Dr.Alia Ahmad: Trust is the key. PAS needs to actively demonstrate respect for minority rights and religious freedom. Condemning genuine criticism as “Islamophobia” only exacerbates the problem. They need to engage in open dialogue with minority community leaders, address their concerns directly, and actively refute perceptions of prioritizing an islamic state over a welfare state for all Malaysians.

Archyde: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, christianity, hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST)’s concerns about JAKIM officers being placed in all government departments were met with accusations of Islamophobia. What does this say about the current state of interfaith discourse in Malaysia?

Dr. Alia Ahmad: It highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious issues. Genuine concerns about potential intrusion into non-Muslim affairs should be addressed with careful consideration and open dialogue, not dismissed with accusations. Creating an environment where constructive criticism is conflated with Islamophobia stifles productive interfaith discourse and undermines efforts to build a more inclusive Malaysia.

The Future of PAS: A Tightrope Walk

Archyde: What is your outlook on PAS’s future in Malaysian politics? What key challenges do they need to overcome?

Dr. Alia Ahmad: PAS’s narrative advantage gives them significant power, but it’s a double-edged sword. While it strengthens their position among their base, it can alienate other crucial segments of the population. The key lies in balancing these competing interests. They need to manage internal divisions, moderate their rhetoric, and address minority concerns authentically. Their ability to navigate this tightrope walk will determine their long-term success and influence on Malaysian politics. The question remains, can they evolve beyond their current image without losing their core support?

Archyde: Dr. Ahmad, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us.

Dr. Alia Ahmad: Thank you for having me.

What are your thoughts on PAS’s role in Malaysian politics? Share your comments below!