PAS recently concluded its annual general assembly, or muktamar, where its new cosy relationship with Umno was evident. This is not the first time such friendly overtures have happened.

The Islamist party is no stranger to switching allegiances. PAS has, in the past been, an ally of Barisan Nasional, Angkatan Perpaduan Ummah, Barisan Alternatif, Pakatan Rakyat and the latest, Gagasan Sejahtera.

PAS’ allegiance to any one of these alliances has never lasted beyond two elections, with cracks beginning to show after just one. PAS’ worst elections, however, happened after it lost the confidence of supporters by backing and later, distancing, from Umno.

All the while, however, PAS’ alliances have been mostly multiracial in nature – with the political power balance shared between Muslims and non-Muslims.

This time, however, with MCA and MIC nearly completely wiped out from the political landscape and with the remaining BN parties having left the coalition, its alliance is overwhelmingly Malay-Muslim.

The exception is a handful of non-Malay PAS members, its supporters’ association, and Umno members formerly from Usno, which altogether barely make up 10% of this new coalition.

The danger of this coalition forming is real. Already, PAS and Umno have tested the waters with three by elections, by campaigning for each other openly.

Once highly critical of PAS, abhorrent to the idea of a Malay coalition and the very mention of hudud, MCA seems happy to tag along for the ride, while it is highly doubted anyone asked MIC for its opinion.

Though the youth wings of both PAS and MIC have rejected this and many veteran leaders from both sides expressed their reservations, it looks like the presidents of both Umno and PAS are hell-(or rather, heaven) bent on seeing this happen.

The creation of such a coalition would not bode well for moderate Malaysia and we risk taking her politics too far right, a dangerous possibility for a multiracial, multi-religious country like ours.

It would not bode well for the community they represent as well, with the overwhelming majority having only a single choice to take up their case.

The more religiously conservative would find they may have had to compromise some universal Islamic ideas to cater for the nationalistic crowd, while those who are more inclined towards an ethnic-based struggle, may find some of their concerns diluted in the now larger context of “race-religion” – an easy, addictive but potentially toxic political combination that not only hinders, but outright sacrifices nation-building in favour of political expedience and power.

Multiculturalism has always been our strength – encouraging and facilitating commerce and trade with various countries, allowing Malaysia to grow as a destination of choice for religious tourism for multiple faiths, a regional medical hub, and an events destination and even a distribution centre for luxury goods for Asian markets – even non-halal stuff.

Our ability to connect with multiple cultures – the Chinese, Indian and European markets – has always set us apart from mono-ethnic, mono-religious countries, such as the Philippines or Thailand.

Right-minded Malaysians should, therefore, continue to opt to empower middle Malaysia. The focus of politics should be one of ideologies and wit, not racism and anger.

Empowering unbridled religious nationalism would destroy the careful balance Malaysians maintained to keep the peace and harmony, a delicate social fabric already ripped at various corners by years of over-politicking this past few years.

Much of this unfounded anger also appears grounded more in sensationalism rather than fact, with numerous accusations against the newly minted administration grossly exaggerated, and some completely made up, for the sake of like those levelled against the minister in charge of Islamic affairs, Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Correcting the erroneous labels would not undo the damage done and with the new open media, as practised by Malaysia Baru, be difficult to contain with restrictive laws.

Malaysians, therefore, must be made aware of these dangers, educated and trusted to make the right choice, to reject extremism, or its manifestation in political representation. – September 19, 2018.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.