How does PAS justify its political alliances using religious rhetoric?

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PAS Justifies Political Alliances Through the Rhetoric of Muslim Unity

PAS, under the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, frames its political alliances primarily through the concept of "Muslim unity." This rhetoric is particularly employed when electoral outcomes or coalition negotiations are significant, suggesting that the primary driver is political consolidation rather than a broader program of Islamic renewal or national development. Critics argue that this approach risks sanctifying politics, potentially overshadowing pressing public concerns and strengthening elite bargaining power.
The Concept of Muslim Unity as a Religious Imperative

The discourse of "Muslim unity" employed by PAS is presented as an ideal rooted in Islamic teachings that encourage believers to avoid division. While unity itself is a laudable objective within Islam, its application by PAS is primarily directed towards fostering electoral cooperation among political parties. This framing suggests that such alliances are not merely strategic political manoeuvres but are elevated to the status of a religious obligation, thereby potentially limiting the scope for democratic dissent and debate.
Electoral Arithmetic as a Motivator for Unity Calls

The timing and prominence of calls for "Muslim unity" frequently coincide with periods of heightened electoral significance, such as general elections or coalition formation. This pattern leads to the argument that religious solidarity is being mobilised primarily to maximise electoral support. The emphasis on domestic political unity also occurs at a time when many Muslim-majority societies globally face severe humanitarian crises, such as in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, raising questions about the prioritization of these domestic electoral concerns over wider international Muslim welfare.
Overshadowing Practical Concerns and Grassroots Welfare

Framing political discourse principally through religious solidarity risks diverting attention from the everyday concerns of voters, including issues like inflation, wages, housing affordability, healthcare, education, productivity, and employment. While religious identity is a significant aspect of Malaysian society, it cannot solely substitute for effective public policy. Furthermore, electoral pacts justified by Muslim unity are seen by critics as potentially enhancing the bargaining power of political elites in government formation and resource allocation, rather than directly benefiting grassroots welfare.

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How does PAS justify its political alliances using religious rhetoric?

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