PAS decided to drop out of the Sabah elections as it was aware of its slim chances of winning, said analysts.

They told The Malaysian Insight the Islamist party could also be wary of coming under fire in the state over its recent stand on religious issues, including its MP’s inflammatory remarks about Christianity.

It was wise of PAS to opt out and save its resources for the bigger fight in the next general election, they said.

Even though it has yet to win a single seat in Sabah, PAS has till now participated in all the state elections.

Senior economics lecturer at Universiti Malaya, Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said PAS had nothing to lose by not taking party in the Sabah elections.

The party could now devote itself to preparing for the general election, he said.

“PAS has nothing to lose in terms of image and perception as it has always been difficult for the party to secure a win in the state elections.

“Instead of risking its image by continuing its losing streak, it is better for PAS not to contest at all,” Tawfik said.

The party lost all eight parliamentary seats and 18 state assembly seats it contested in GE14.

PAS’ strongholds are the east coast states of Terengganu and Kelantan as well as Kedah in the north.

It holds nine parliamentary seats in Kelantan, six in Terengganu and three in Kedah.

“I do not see any issues with PAS sitting out of the Sabah elections.

“It seems more like an attempt to preserve its image and to build momentum for GE15 which could be called at any time,” Tawfik added.

He said the decision was a sign that “PAS has matured politically”.

Was PAS duped?

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar meanwhile said it was possible that PAS was aware that its members’ recent remarks about Christianity did not go down well with Sabah voters.

Hisomuddin said Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh’s statement about the Bible could be why  Perikatan Nasional had barred PAS from contesting.

“This could be due to the insensitive remarks by the PAS leader. They (PN) could think it was risky to let PAS compete against Warisan, which would almost certainly win,” he said.

He said there were signs the PAS youth wing was unhappy that the party had joined the ruling coalition without consulting the members.

It is usually PAS’ way to brief the members before making a decision at the annual muktamar.

“They are at the stage where the leaders will have to work convince the members who are reluctant to accept their decision .

“Everything happened so fast, now they need the muktamar to approve their political move,” Hisomuddin said.

Political analyst Sayuti Omar was of the view that PAS was backing out from the polls out of gratitude to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who had appointed the party’s leaders to his cabinet.

Sayuti noted that the party might have been shortchanged by their political allies.

“Maybe from PAS’ view it has taken a step back, out of humility and gratitude for the power they have been given. They are also happy to hold important posts in the government and in GLCs.

“Maybe this is their strategy, but it looks like PAS has been duped…but we will have to see. If (PAS has indeed been fooled) then (it) might seek revenge later,” he said.

Partners with benefits

Sayuti noted that the young members of PAS was uneasy about the so-called humility shown by the party leaders.

PAS youth members had admitted during the recent muktamar that they were disappointed that their leaders had bought into the PN promise.

“The party’s youth are unhappy as it looks like PAS has given in.

“Not all party members have agreed to the cooperation between PAS and Perikatan Nasional.

“Only those who are brave will protest,” Sayuti  said.

During his winding up speech at the 66th muktamar yesterday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang sought to assuage the members’ resentment with the assurance that they would soon see the benefits of being part of the ruling coalition.

Hadi also said a PN agreement would allow PAS to stand for election in the majority of seats in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu in GE15.

PAS has historically forged political alliances that are to its benefit.

In the 1960s, PAS partnered with Parti Negara to form the government in Kelantan and Terengganu. It has also tied up with Semangat 46 in the past.

When Parti Negara and Semangat 46 grew less popular and eventually disbanded, PAS went ahead and forged new pacts

In 1999, PAS formed an alternative coalition with the opposition. It also joined DAP and PKR in Pakatan Rakyat to establish governments in Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Meanwhile, Muafakat Nasional, which comprises PAS, Umno and new addition, Bersatu, celebrates its first anniversary today. – September 14, 2020.