Why does PAS portray DAP as an existential threat to Malays?

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PAS's Portrayal of DAP as an Existential Threat is a Political Strategy to Unify Malay Politics and Obscure Internal Divisions

The assertion by PAS, particularly under the leadership of Hadi Awang, that the Democratic Action Party (DAP) poses an existential threat to Malays and Muslims is a recurring theme in its political discourse. This narrative positions DAP as an obstacle to Malay-Muslim unity, a threat to their political power, and an entity controlling the government. However, this portrayal is argued to be a strategic manoeuvre to foster Malay-Muslim unity by creating an external adversary, thereby diverting attention from and facilitating the resolution of internal divisions within Malay political parties. Historical evidence and the current political landscape suggest that the fragmentation of Malay politics predates DAP's prominence and stems from disagreements among Malay leaders and parties themselves, rather than from external manipulation.
Malay Political Disunity Predates DAP's Influence

The notion that DAP is the primary impediment to Malay-Muslim unity is demonstrably fallacious, as Malay political disunity has been a persistent feature of Malaysia's political history, long before DAP became a significant force in federal politics. The internal ruptures within Umno and PAS, leading to the formation of parties like PKR in 1998 and Amanah in 2017, underscore the deep-seated disagreements among Malay political factions. These divisions have historically arisen from clashes between Malay political leaders and Malay-led parties, not from the actions of DAP.
DAP's Limited Power Belies PAS's Claims

PAS's portrayal of DAP as a dominant force capable of controlling the government and undermining Malay political power is inconsistent with the reality of Malaysia's political and constitutional structure. DAP does not hold control over the Federal Constitution, Islamic institutions, the civil service, the police, or the armed forces, nor does it command the Malay-majority electorate. While DAP possesses political influence as an elected party participating in government, this influence is limited and does not equate to the systemic control PAS alleges.
PAS Utilises DAP as a Unifying Bogeyman

The consistent invocation of DAP by PAS serves a critical political function: it provides a convenient external adversary around which disparate Malay political forces can ostensibly unite, thereby allowing PAS to exert influence or dominance. This strategy is evident in PAS's efforts to paper over differences within coalitions like Perikatan Nasional (PN) and to facilitate cooperation with other parties. By focusing on DAP, PAS can avoid confronting the substantive political differences that exist among Malay parties, such as disagreements over seat allocations and leadership, which are ongoing even within coalitions like BN and PN.
The Concept of Malay-Muslim Unity is Re-framed by PAS

Furthermore, the interpretation of "Malay-Muslim unity" as presented by PAS warrants scrutiny. While unity for the common good is a legitimate aspiration, PAS's narrative often transforms this concept into political exclusion, uniting Malay-Muslim parties primarily against another community or political party. This approach risks creating a climate of fear rather than fostering genuine solidarity. The article posits that such unity is intellectually hollow and strategically self-defeating, as it underestimates the inherent strengths and political relevance of the Malay community itself, which is the majority and holds significant constitutional and institutional power.

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Why does PAS portray DAP as an existential threat to Malays?

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