PAS Gaining greater ground

PAS has emerged as a formidable third force in the aftermath of GE14.

PAS Gaining greater ground

PAS has emerged as a formidable third force in the aftermath of GE14. It swept to victory in Terengganu, tightened its grip on Kelantan, and encroached into Barisan Nasional’s “fixed deposits” in Felda turf.

In fact, the party won enough seats in Kedah (15 against Barisan’s three and Pakatan Harapan’s 18) and Perak (three seats against Barisan’s 27 and Pakatan’s 29) that could potentially alter the balance of power between Barisan and Pakatan. But the Islamist party did not push for unity government to help Barisan retain the two states.

PAS research centre director Dr Zuhdi Marzuki said the election results spoke volumes.

“It reflects a growing support for PAS’ struggle to implement Islamic governance where transparency, welfare and justice prevail,” he said.

PAS accomplished what Pakatan failed to do. The coalition comprising Parti Amanah Negara, DAP, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and PKR had zero seats in Kelantan and Terengganu.

PAS secured two-thirds majority in Kelantan (winning 37 out of 45 state seats) and Terengganu (22 out of 32 state seats).

Overall, PAS captured 18 parliamentary and 90 state seats nationwide.

Dr Mohd Zuhdi: “The election results reflect a growing support for PAS’ struggle to implement Islamic governance where transparency, welfare and justice prevail.”
Dr Mohd Zuhdi: “The election results reflect a growing support for PAS’ struggle to implement Islamic governance where transparency, welfare and justice prevail.”
PAS Youth strategy director Syahir Sulaiman said Invoke’s prediction of the Islamist party’s downfall was proven unfounded.

“Its lopsided analysis reflects its own agenda,” Syahir claimed.

He attributed the growing support for PAS in the east coast to rural, Felda and outstation voters.

PAS gained backing from Felda settlers in Kemaman, Dungun, Setiu and Kuala Nerus.

“The Malays in rural areas and Felda have warmed up to PAS. And youngsters working outstation returned in high numbers to help PAS win in Kelantan and Terengganu.

“The youths did not believe in the Umno-PAS unity propaganda,” he said.

Activist Mazlan Aliman, who was instrumental in exposing alleged discrepancies in Felda, noted however that Pakatan had won more Felda seats compared with PAS.

Felda settlers helped Pakatan sweep to victory in Kubang Pasu, Kulim Bandar Baharu, Sungai Siput, Tanjung Malim, Ulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Bentong, Raub, Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Alor Gajah, Pagoh, Sekijang, Labis, Segamat, Simpang Renggam, Kulai and Tebrau.

Mazlan, who is also the chairman of Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan, said they had won with the support of young voters.

“People want issues involving FGV (Felda Global Ventures), and missing billions tackled,” he said.

image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2018/05/19/18/50/mainx_anr_2005_popular-votes_ktbsianalisa200518pdf.ashx?h=383&&w=400&la=en



PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the Islamist party was able to withstand the multi-cornered onslaught because its fort was strengthened.

“We have enough pool of core supporters to help us secure victory in our stronghold. This group of core supporters is not easily swayed by perception games,” he said.

PAS deputy Mursyidul Am Datuk Ahmad Yakob also attributed the party’s victory to young and outstation voters.

“We were able to secure additional seats because of the overwhelming support of youths. And those outstation voters returned with such a commendable resolve to defend the Islamist government,” he said.

PAS Youth chief Khalil Abdul Hadi said popular support for the Islamist party had increased from 1.5 million to more than two million.

“The popular votes increased to 18%. This negates claims that PAS is no longer relevant. We have significant support in rural and suburban constituencies.

“Claims that we would lose the deposits, and that we would lose more seats have been proven unfounded,” said Khalil, who is the son of party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Khalil said in the last general election, PAS was accused of being used by DAP.

“This election, we were accused of forging ties with Umno.

“Because of such unwarranted accusations, we wasted too much time countering allegations instead of focusing on our manifesto,” he said, adding they would utilise the social media for campaigning in the next general election.

Khalil said the recent elections had rendered Umno and Barisan irrelevant following allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

“Those in west coast supported Pakatan, and those in east coast supported PAS.

“In the last general election, we could not garner these many seats when we were part of Pakatan Rakyat. This time around, we went in on our own, and gained greater ground,” he said.

Khalil said they must now focus on managing victory.

“We should move forward, showcasing our political maturity,” he said.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/05/20/gaining-greater-ground-pas-has-confounded-critics-and-opinion-polls-that-predicted-a-poor-showing-fo/#8Keqs2Pbf3Ec1KmH.99