A Paradigm Shift For Pas In Malaysian Politics

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 The Turun Anwar rally, although a small moment in Malaysia’s noisy political theatre, may signal that PAS is flirting with the idea of reinvention.
I had always assumed that Zaid Ibrahim was still firmly within the Umno fold.
But last Saturday, there he was, standing on the podium at the Turun Anwar rally at Dataran Merdeka—an event spearheaded by PAS’s Youth Wing.
Zaid delivered a fiery, unapologetic speech, the full content of which can be found on his X page, and it has certainly stirred the political waters.
The question now is this: how will Umno respond to Zaid’s actions? Will they move swiftly to sack him, or pretend not to have noticed?
Umno’s reaction could reveal much about its own internal fractures and how it views dissenting voices within its ranks.
PAS, on the other hand, seemed to embrace Zaid. Rally participants responded warmly, cheering him on and nodded to show their agreement with his criticism.
That in itself is fascinating; Zaid, a figure many associate with liberal legal reforms and inclusive politics, was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with PAS, a party long rooted in conservative Islamic ideology.
This raises an even more intriguing possibility: Will PAS consider Zaid, and those of his like, as candidates in the next general election?
New appeal 
If PAS is serious about expanding its appeal beyond its traditional base, it will need candidates like Zaid; individuals who can speak for all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion or creed; people who can stand on a national stage and credibly argue for good governance, reform and inclusivity.
Zaid represents that group of politicians Malaysia has long needed: moderates and professionals with a worldview that extends beyond parochial concerns, individuals who understand how to manage a complex, multiracial nation in a globalised era.
For PAS, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The party has long been seen, particularly on the West Coast, as rigid, overly doctrinaire, and preoccupied with rituals rather than real solutions.
But a paradigm shift is not only possible, it is necessary.
PAS must evolve from its orthodox stance into a movement that is more modern, progressive, and inclusive.
Only by doing so can it win over the urban and semi-urban constituencies along the West Coast.
These are the constituents that matter, the very places where both Malay and non-Malay votes, professional classes, and the middle ground are found.
If PAS continues to project itself solely as the guardian of ritualistic piety, it risks being permanently boxed into its East Coast strongholds.
But if it is willing to broaden its vision, to welcome figures like Zaid, to adopt policies that resonate with all Malaysians, then it could fundamentally reshape the country’s political landscape.
A small moment
This rally may have been a small moment in Malaysia’s noisy political theatre.
But it may also be a signal that PAS is at least flirting with the idea of reinvention.
Having that many people in Saturday’s audience (estimated at more than 18,000) is no small feat for PAS’s Youth Wing.
Coupled with a wider objective of transforming itself to achieve its ultimate goal of governing this country, such discourse is a worthwhile effort.
And that even voices from outside its traditional sphere might play a part in that transformation, speak volumes of this anticipation.
The real question now is: does PAS have the courage to make that big leap? - FMT
The author can be reached at: [email protected]
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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