ISLAMIST party PAS must now decide if it will align itself with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) or go it alone.

In deciding which path to take, PAS must be sure to be transparent and open with its members in order to receive a full mandate from its supporters, said Ilham Centre political scientist Hisomuddin Bakar.

“If PAS discusses openly in the muktamar, this will make it easier for every member of the party to personally strive at making PAS a success,” he said. 

He said that if the party harbours national ambitions, it can no longer “hide” in Malay-majority areas but will need to be accepted in areas with other ethnic groups.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has openly expressed the party’s readiness to work with and become dialogue partners with the PH administration under Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“In line with the concept of federalism, which emphasises the importance of a good relationship between the federal and state powers, PAS will continue this good cooperation with the federal government under Pakatan Harapan. 

“In fact, PAS is ready to become dialogue partners in bringing development to this country under the concept of ‘taawun siyasi’,” said Tuan Ibrahim.

The positive statements towards PH had come immediately after prime minister Dr Mahathir announced that the federal government will give oil royalties to Kelantan and Terengganu, two states now ruled by PAS.

“They will be rich after this,” said Dr Mahathir.

The announcement was also warmly welcomed by Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakub, who is also PAS deputy spiritual leader, or Mursyidul Am.

Prior to GE14, PAS broke ties with former allies PKR and DAP. Party president Abdul Hadi Awang was seen as openly supporting former prime minister Najib Razak, in a move analysts said was a bid to ensure a Malay-Islamic dominance in government.

However, when BN lost in GE14, PAS now risks being shunned by its own members for aligning itself with the scandal-ridden Najib who is also the subject of re-opened investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). –  May 27, 2018.