PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has sent a strong signal that the party is ready to take over Putrajaya, despite previously being coy about its intention.
As it warms up to its new ally, Umno, the cooperation with the country’s largest Malay-based party would give Pas an opportunity to take up a Putrajaya-level scale of challenges.
Pas is widely known as a pak lebai (religious) party, and its leadership perhaps wants to enforce a new perception and a persona by training its sights on a higher form of policy talk.
This was evident in Hadi’s policy speech during the party’s 65th Muktamar here on Friday. Apart from broaching the usual conservative issues close to the hearts of Pas members, Hadi laid out mainstream key agendas in line with the current political landscape.
These include outlining economic needs, in which he spoke of gaining foreign investor trust, weak purchasing power, slow economic growth and the high cost of living.
Hadi’s shift in tone was not lost on the party’s delegates, who believe the party is ready for its big jump to the next level.
Penang Pas Tanjong chief Yaacob Omar believed Hadi knew what he was talking about, saying Pas had competent leaders who were ready to be part of the federal government.
“Besides, we will not be alone. We will have Umno which had been in power for over 61 years,” he told the New Straits Times.
While Pas’ lofty ambition of getting on board a greater decision-making plane is laudable, the party must be seen as being serious in its agenda by detailing long-term plans for the economy, education and social issues.
As it begins talking as a potential stakeholder in the federal administration, the Islamic party must be able to sell its vision to the people, because being convincing is exactly what Pas needs to do to show the public it is ready for the big task at hand.
Promising the stars and the moon without a solid plan to realise its said agenda is a turn-off for Malaysians.
Unfortunately, Hadi’s explanation on the steps to be taken with regard to his economic plans was vague, especially on his aim of building a country which provides a “fair” share of the economic pie for all.
Hadi was referring to the distribution of income in a supposedly fair manner, but the concept remains subjective.
A more equitable distribution of income may boost growth and economic development, but it does not necessarily mean an equal distribution of wages.
He, however, did raise populist and sound points on preventing wastage, leakage, misconduct and corruption, as well as reducing the wealth gap between the rich and poor, but these suggestions sound all too familiar.
Every political party has promised similar points but ironically, according to Hadi, he did not like people who copied the ideas of others.
“One of his favourite proverbs used against Pakatan Harapan was ibarat paku dulang paku serpih, mengata orang dia yang lebih (pot calling the kettle black).
“There are too many weaknesses shown by Pakatan Harapan for me to list out.
“They only know how to blame others and how to rebrand or revive old programmes introduced by the previous government,” he had told the Pas delegates.
Another strong signal given by Hadi in convincing his party members that they are ready to be part of the government was through his pledge on improving shortcomings stemming from the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He pledged to improve the living standards of Sabahans and Sarawakians. Pas appears keen on raking in support from the voting blocs in both states. It is common knowledge that success in gaining support from the two will lead to a major electoral advantage.
“We have to reject any efforts to separate the states and learn from what happened in South Sudan and Timor-Leste, which faced adversity after the separation.
“Sabah and Sarawak Pas plays a vital role in guiding others towards unity by representing the voice of Muslims in a multiracial setting, through dialogues and welfare activities, to ensure that the new political cooperation will reflect a harmonious Malaysia,” said Hadi.
However, it has to be noted that it is common knowledge that communities in Sabah and Sarawak are generally disinterested in religious-based politics. Hadi’s proposal remains as rhetorical as it is unclear.
Fortunately for Pas, it has time to polish these ideas, but talking about policies only on the surface is unlikely to lead it anywhere.
Pas Tanjung Karang chief Dr Mohd Zamri Zainuldin said without giving the party a chance, it could not prove that it was not merely presenting empty promises.
“We have leaders with the knowledge and experience at the state level.
“Pas will not be part of the government as a mere decoration. It will instead become the checks and balances in the cabinet,” he said.
Having clearer objectives and political direction will give the party credibility.
“Otherwise, it will risk earning a public perception that Pas is merely clinging onto Umno’s influence and experience.
As of now, Pas has found itself at a crossroads too early, despite having in its possession a new political roadmap.