The Pakatan Ship
A New Era for Malaysian Politics
The PAS muktamar has ended, and with it, any illusion that the party has not changed since the death of Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat in 2015. If the 2015 muktamar did not convince some people that Nik Aziz’s vision was buried together with him, then this muktamar should bring them to their senses.
A Shift in Direction
Before his death, Nik Aziz tied his party to a pole found somewhere in the middle of Malaysia’s racially charged political landscape. This made sure party elders would not stray too much to the left or to the right while keeping its Islamic identity. However, when Nik Aziz took ill, the string showed signs of tension, and when he died, it snapped. PAS has since reverted to its old ways, abandoning its moderate stance and embracing a more conservative and divisive approach.
The Consequences of Reversion
This reversion has significant consequences for Malaysian politics. PAS’s shift to the right has created a rift between the party and other opposition parties, making it difficult to form a united front against the ruling coalition. Furthermore, PAS’s extremist rhetoric has alienated many moderate Malaysians, making it harder for the party to attract new supporters.
The Role of Dr. Mahathir
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former prime minister, has been quick to capitalize on PAS’s reversion. He has been vocal in his criticism of the party, calling it out for its extremist views and divisive rhetoric. Dr. Mahathir’s criticism has been seen as a clever move to discredit PAS and undermine its influence in Malaysian politics.
A New Era for the Opposition
The reversion of PAS has created a new era for the opposition in Malaysia. The party’s shift to the right has created a rift between the party and other opposition parties, making it difficult to form a united front against the ruling coalition. However, this rift also presents an opportunity for other opposition parties to fill the void and attract new supporters.
Conclusion
The reversion of PAS to its extremist roots has significant consequences for Malaysian politics. The party’s shift to the right has created a rift between the party and other opposition parties, making it difficult to form a united front against the ruling coalition. However, this rift also presents an opportunity for other opposition parties to fill the void and attract new supporters.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the PAS muktamar?
A: The PAS muktamar is a significant event in Malaysian politics, as it determines the direction of the party and its stance on various issues.
Q: What is the impact of PAS’s reversion to its extremist roots?
A: The reversion of PAS to its extremist roots has significant consequences for Malaysian politics, including the creation of a rift between the party and other opposition parties.
Q: What is the role of Dr. Mahathir in this situation?
A: Dr. Mahathir has been vocal in his criticism of PAS, calling it out for its extremist views and divisive rhetoric. His criticism has been seen as a clever move to discredit PAS and undermine its influence in Malaysian politics.