Are repeated PAS alliance shifts driven by durable principles or power?

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Repeated PAS Alliance Shifts Are Questioned as Being Driven by Power Rather Than Durable Principles

Malaysians are free to support any political party, including PAS, but democratic accountability necessitates scrutinising the party's record and motivations. The core question surrounding PAS, particularly under the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, is whether its frequent shifts in political alliances stem from a consistent adherence to durable principles or are primarily strategic adjustments aimed at gaining and maintaining power. This examination is crucial given PAS's significant influence in Malaysia's political landscape, prompting a closer look at its actions beyond its pronounced moral clarity.
Shifting Alliances Throughout PAS's Political History

PAS has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to form alliances with a diverse spectrum of political entities throughout its history. These partnerships have included collaborations with Semangat 46, subsequent joint ventures with PKR and DAP within the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, and a later alignment with UMNO under the banner of Muslim unity. More recently, PAS joined forces with Bersatu to form the Perikatan Nasional coalition. While political compromise and adaptation to evolving circumstances are expected in a dynamic democracy, the frequency and nature of these alliances raise questions about the underlying motivations.
Criticisms Point to Strategic Power Acquisition

Critics suggest that PAS has developed a notable skill in forming electoral pacts, leveraging them for electoral advantage, and subsequently redefining its political adversaries when such arrangements cease to be beneficial. This pattern leads to scrutiny of whether PAS's claimed exceptional moral clarity is consistently applied, or if tactical manoeuvres are presented as divinely sanctioned pragmatism to justify opportunistic adjustments in its pursuit of power. Such shifts invite comparisons to other major political coalitions, like Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, which are also subject to performance-based scrutiny.
Impact on Malaysia's Plural Society Under Scrutiny

A Hadi-led PAS must also address its impact on Malaysia's pluralistic society. Concerns exist that an increasingly dominant PAS could narrow the space for constitutional, religious, and cultural pluralism, a sentiment particularly noted in regions like Sabah and Sarawak, which have historically resisted the imposition of any single party's political theology. While PAS leadership may view these fears as exaggerated, building confidence among diverse communities is essential for effective governance. The party faces questions regarding whether its rhetoric has deepened fears of political competition becoming a struggle between religious righteousness and other communities, rather than fostering a sense of shared citizenship and security for all Malaysians.

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Are repeated PAS alliance shifts driven by durable principles or power?

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