Has Pas Reached Saturation Point

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MP SPEAKS | I feel compelled to respond to the opinion that PAS may have become a “saturated” party. But first of all, let me state that in all situations, PAS not only has thrived but it has grown from phase to phase.
When we win, we serve. When we lose, our journey never ends.
Despite this, there have been claims that PAS is in a saturated state - devoid of fresh ideas and new political strategies - simply because its leadership has not changed for a long time.
This situation, it is said, will cause the younger generation and fence-sitters to become disinterested in PAS, even distancing themselves from the party.
I respect this viewpoint. However, before making such claims, do weigh the points of broad organisational dynamics of PAS, the deep influence of PAS and the far-reaching horizon of PAS’ journey.
Allow me to elaborate on these three dimensions:
(i) PAS’ organisational dynamics are ‘organic’
PAS’ membership continues to grow, now exceeding one million active members, with branches and divisions across the country, from Perlis to Sabah. Its activities continue to expand, driven by grassroots machinery at every level, in the fields of welfare, education (tarbiyah), outreach (dakwah), and politics.
Every day, we engage thousands of students through Pasti and Sriti (PAS-linked preschools and primary schools), including their parents - typically in their 20s, 30s, and 40s - producing over a million alumni (including myself), all established through community funding without government allocations.
In this regard, the government should be thankful to Pasti for easing the government’s fiscal burden in providing quality preschool education to the community. Pasti’s success is evident not just academically, but also in character, spirituality, and physical development.
Moreover, every week PAS engages with various segments of society through welfare and community activities - sports, clean-up drives, and home visits - cutting across ethnic groups and age demographics, often with no political agenda involved.
Here, we see the wide and vibrant dynamics of PAS’ organisation, driven by leaders and members at all levels, consistently generating fresh ideas and new approaches to expand PAS’ influence in society—without weariness or boredom.
(ii) The growth of PAS’ influence is exponential
If I may use an analogy, PAS is like a thriving tree, green and towering. Its roots spread deep and strong, its branches wide, offering shade and shelter.
While the leadership remains at the top, the “growth” at all levels has never been stunted. In fact, from the branches that were ‘pruned’ at the 2015 PAS Muktamar (now a full 10 years ago), new branches and flourishing offshoots have grown.
Post-GE14, PAS’ influence has expanded from rural villages to cities, from universities to corporate offices. Once labelled as backwards, rigid, or extreme, PAS is now increasingly accepted for its presence and diversity - even though some remain doubtful due to fear-mongering by certain parties, particularly the DAP.
(iii) The horizon of PAS’ journey is far-reaching
The cultivation of new leaders and talent development within PAS continues at every level. No one is hasty, let alone obsessed with chasing positions, because we understand that leadership is a trust and responsibility.
Since Malaysia’s first general election, PAS has been the most experienced political party in participating in democratic parliamentary elections.
As a result, PAS has been both in opposition and in government, at the state and federal levels.
When we win, we serve. When we lose, our journey never ends.
One need only reflect on the lines in the PAS official song to understand this spirit:
Move forward to the gates of service,
Victory or defeat is not the reason;
Purify the intention in your heart,
Until the truth of God’s promise becomes reality.
Lessons from Ibn Khaldun’s ‘Cycle Theory’
Allow me to share the "Cycle Theory" put forward by Ibn Khaldun.
Though originally referring to the development of civilisations, it can also be applied to organisations made up of human beings.
In his magnum opus Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun introduced the Cycle Theory to explain the rise, dominance, and eventual decline of civilisations.
He explains that every civilisation or empire goes through stages much like human life: beginning with emergence and development (infancy and youth), moving into dominance and glory (adulthood), followed by decline (old age/senility), and finally collapse (death).
I share this as a reminder for us all - that Malaysia as a nation, and any party or government that governs it in succession, must always uphold justice and avoid oppression or tyranny.
“Such are the days (of varying fortunes) We give to men by turns…” (Surah Ali-Imran, Verse 140)
Returning to the view that PAS is “saturated”.
Let us examine this idea in the context of Ibn Khaldun’s Cycle Theory. PAS is still in the phase of Emergence and Development - a crucial stage before entering Dominance and Glory, if God wills it.
Therefore, to say that PAS has reached the saturation point at this early stage is deeply misguided.
In many aspects, I am uncertain about the fate of Malaysia’s oldest political party, Umno and the BN coalition.
Nor can I predict the rise and fall of the Madani government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PKR and Pakatan Harapan - whether they are in the stage of emergence, dominance, or nearing decline.
That’s for the people to decide.
Nonetheless, PAS remains open to feedback, criticism, and self-reflection - because that is the core mission of PAS: to call for righteousness and prevent wrongdoing. A mission that will never reach a saturation point, and knows no fatigue or boredom.
Final message
To all PAS members and leaders - have a blessed muktamar (annual general assembly).
The 71st PAS Annual Muktamar 2025 is especially meaningful this year, taking place on Sept 15 - 16 in Kedah Darul Aman, in conjunction with the 62nd Malaysia Day celebration.
If the 2024 Muktamar featured the president’s keynote themed “Islam Is the Solution”, then surely this year’s keynote will be even more significant in defining PAS’ stance, position, and direction toward greater heights.
May your muktamar proceed smoothly, God willing. - Mkini
SYAHIR SULAIMAN is the Bachok MP and the political secretary to the PAS president (who has withdrawn from contesting in this year’s muktamar).
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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