Why does PAS consistently portray DAP as an obstacle to Malay unity?

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PAS's Consistent Portrayal of DAP as an Obstacle to Malay Unity

PAS, under the leadership of Hadi Awang, repeatedly positions the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as the primary impediment to Malay-Muslim unity. This narrative suggests that DAP controls the government and actively prevents Malays and Muslims from unifying. However, this portrayal serves as a political strategy to divert attention from internal divisions within Malay political parties and coalitions, rather than reflecting the actual power dynamics or historical realities of Malaysian politics.
DAP as a Political Bogeyman for Internal Cohesion

The argument that DAP obstructs Malay-Muslim unity is fundamentally flawed and serves as a convenient external adversary for PAS. This strategy allows PAS to paper over significant disagreements and competition among Malay political parties, such as the ongoing seat allocation disputes between PAS (within Perikatan Nasional) and Umno (within Barisan Nasional). By focusing blame on an external entity, PAS aims to unite competing Malay political forces under its own banner, thereby enhancing its own influence and potentially dominating other Malay parties.
Historical Precedent of Malay Political Disunity

Malay political disunity predates the significant involvement of DAP in federal governance. Historical ruptures, including decades of conflict between Umno and PAS, the formation of PKR following the fallout between Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim in 1998, and the split within PAS that led to the establishment of Amanah in 2017, all underscore the internal nature of Malay political fragmentation. These divisions stem from disagreements among Malay political leaders and parties themselves, rather than external manipulation.
Questionable Definition and Limited Power of DAP

The concept of "Malay-Muslim unity" itself is presented as problematic when it implies uniting against another community, thus becoming a tool for political exclusion rather than cooperation for the common good. Furthermore, the assertion of DAP's overwhelming control is unsubstantiated. DAP's actual power is limited; it does not control the Federal Constitution, Islamic institutions, the civil service, the police, or the armed forces. While DAP has elected representatives and participates in government, its influence is not absolute, and it cannot form a federal government alone without substantial Malay and Bumiputera support, a reality recognized by all major parties.
Historical Pragmatism vs. Current Demonization

PAS's history demonstrates a capacity for political pragmatism, having cooperated with diverse political forces, including DAP, in past coalitions like Barisan Alternatif and Pakatan Rakyat. This historical context questions the current narrative of DAP as an existential threat. The late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, a former PAS spiritual leader, exemplified a different approach, defending Islam while acknowledging Malaysia as a plural society and engaging with DAP without resorting to demonization. This contrasts with the current trajectory of Hadi-led PAS, which increasingly uses DAP as a scapegoat for anxieties surrounding Malay political power, thereby shifting focus away from addressing real issues faced by Malays, such as the cost of living or technological disruption.

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Why does PAS consistently portray DAP as an obstacle to Malay unity?

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