Can PAS unite Malay parties beyond the Perikatan Nasional framework?

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PAS Aims to Forge a Broader Malay-First Coalition Beyond Perikatan Nasional

The Islamist party PAS has announced an end to its cooperation with Bersatu, signalling an ambition to establish a more encompassing Malay-first coalition that extends beyond the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) framework. This strategic realignment involves inviting other Malay-centric organisations, including Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Parti Berjasa Malaysia (Berjasa), and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman), to join its envisioned supergroup. PAS aims to leverage a perceived increase in political polarisation among Malays, particularly younger demographics, to rally support for this consolidated front.
Resuscitation of Muafakat Nasional and Invitation to Umno

PAS has reactivated former Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa to spearhead the revival of Muafakat Nasional, a pact that previously sought to unite Malay political forces. Through this initiative, PAS is extending an invitation to Umno to align with this broader coalition, suggesting that Umno should submit to this "ultimate unity vehicle." While Umno Youth Chief Akmal Saleh has expressed support for the concept, party president Zahid Hamidi appears more cautious, potentially sensing PAS's intention to dominate any such alliance.
PAS's Ambition for a Dominant Malay Coalition

The party's objective is to construct an "unapologetic grand Malay-first coalition" that surpasses the current Perikatan Nasional in scope and influence. This strategic move is seen as PAS's direct response to Bersatu, aiming to build a more formidable political entity than what was achieved in the 2022 general election. PAS believes that despite not securing parliamentary seats in Johor or Negeri Sembilan in the past, its ambition, coupled with a strategy focused on heightened Malay polarisation, can lead to electoral success.
Evidence of a Shift Beyond PN

Indications of PAS's strategic divergence from PN are evident in several developments. The party's decision to utilise its own logo for the Johor state elections, rather than the PN emblem, underscores a move towards asserting its independent identity and agenda. Furthermore, the visible deference of PN chairman Samsuri Mokhtar to PAS leaders Hadi Awang and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man suggests a shift in authority and focus within the coalition, with PAS leaders appearing to cede less control to their PN counterparts.

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Can PAS unite Malay parties beyond the Perikatan Nasional framework?

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