Pas Targets Non Malays Amid Criticism Of Harapan On Social Media

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Malay-Muslim based parties, including PAS, continue to face challenges in gaining the trust of non-Malay voters.
However, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah said there is now a new opportunity, as this group has become increasingly vocal in criticising the Pakatan Harapan government.
“We are focusing on influencing non-Malay voters. I think the issue is that our campaigns haven’t fully reached the target audience, only partially.
“For instance, if we aim for 100 percent, we’re only reaching 30 percent,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini in Kota Bharu.
He noticed a difference recently, when previously it could be said that non-Malays did not criticise Harapan, but he noted their condemnation on social media has grown louder.
“The question now is how we (PAS) can attract them to our side,” he said.
PAS supporters under a party flagHe stressed the need to develop a more convincing narrative ahead of the next general election (GE).
“For some non-Malay voters, they dislike Harapan - but they also dislike PAS...
“This is what we’re currently thinking about: how to win their support,” he added.
Gerakan’s role
Amar also touched on Gerakan’s role in attracting Chinese voters but admitted the party has significant ground to cover if it hopes to compete with DAP.
“We hope Gerakan can attract as many Chinese voters as possible.
“But we have to admit that Gerakan itself still has much to improve on.
“Their party machinery and ground work need strengthening. There are several factors that pose obstacles.
“That’s the problem. Gerakan’s image itself needs rebuilding.
“To be frank, we can see that Gerakan struggles to compete with DAP and cannot play a maximal role. So I hope its leadership examines their weaknesses and shortcomings for improvement,” he said.
Amar added that Gerakan must be bold enough to contest in Chinese-majority constituencies rather than seeking safe seats.
“If they can tackle that, I believe Gerakan can make a comeback.
“But this has to come from Gerakan. We (PAS) cannot do it, because our voter segments are different. They are closer to the Chinese community and can play a role in replacing DAP.
“They shouldn’t just look for safe seats or contest in Malay areas. That’s not right in concept,” he said.
He also criticised certain Gerakan leaders’ statements that, at times, have harmed the coalition.
“They shouldn’t be making statements that sometimes undermine us (PAS). I have to be honest here, because occasionally their remarks have backfired.
“They need to be careful and exercise control, because we’re part of the same coalition. There must be give and take,” said Amar, adding that PAS keeps an eye on such matters.
Conditional support from Gen Z
On the subject of young voters, Amar sees Gen Z as a critical group that is not tied to traditional political ideologies.
“Gen Z is important. Their mentality is different. Their political stance isn’t driven by ideology.
“For older people like me, politics is about ideology. If we support PAS, we don’t care who the candidate is, whether we like them or not, we’ll still vote for PAS,” he said.
PAS vice-president Amar AbdullahAccording to Amar, PAS must maintain its integrity and clean image to continue gaining support from young voters.
“If we can maintain that, if our representatives continue to uphold a clean image, God willing, we can go far. But if we make mistakes, it’s all over,” he added.
Gen Z stands for “Generation Z”, those born between the late 1990s to the early 2010s.
Avoid overpromising in manifestos
On election manifestos, Amar cautioned against repeating Harapan’s mistakes.
“Personally, I believe we need a manifesto, but not one that’s overly detailed and long. Just focus on the key points.
“Sometimes we produce a manifesto so detailed that we can’t even deliver on it, just like what was hyped up during Harapan’s campaigns. All sorts of campaigns, but when they came into government, nothing was done.
“That’s why I challenge Harapan, what parts of your manifesto have you actually delivered?
“They promised to lower things, but it didn’t happen. Promised things for free, but then nothing was free. Changes that are made slowly are another story.
“The manifesto should be specific to what can be done in five years. From my experience in government, five years go by quickly. It seems long, but in politics, you blink, then it’s election time again,” he said.
Amar added that PAS must focus on realistic offers that can be achieved within a single federal administration’s term.
“That’s why we need to be very focused on identifying what’s realistic and practical, and not make fanciful promises, especially (because) youths are disillusioned (with Harapan’s manifesto).
“If we repeat the same mistake, they’ll say we’re all talk,” he concluded. - Mkini

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