Why has PAS aligned with Perkasa despite its anti-racism stance?

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PAS’s Cooperation with Perkasa Raises Questions Amidst Stated Anti-Racism Principles

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has expressed concern regarding PAS's decision to collaborate with the Malay rights group Perkasa, highlighting a perceived shift in PAS's political direction. Amanah's strategy director, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, stated that this cooperation suggests PAS is moving away from its inclusive Islamist identity towards a more right-leaning stance, intertwining its Islamic image with a specific Malay identity. This move is seen as problematic given that racism is fundamentally against Islamic teachings, and aligning with an organization that advocates such principles is a significant departure from PAS's historical position.
Shift from Inclusive Islamism to Malay Identity Focus

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad articulated that PAS has demonstrably altered its approach, transitioning from an inclusive Islamist party to one that appears to be leaning towards the right. This perceived shift involves merging its established Islamic identity with a more pronounced Malay identity. He emphasized that PAS's former stance was one that actively opposed racism, making its current engagement with Perkasa a point of contention. This evolution in positioning raises questions about the core values that now guide the party's partnerships and public image.
Concerns Over Advocating Racial Politics

The primary objection raised by Amanah centres on PAS's willingness to engage with an organisation like Perkasa, which is known for advocating racial politics and an ethnic-based ideology. Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that embracing such advocacy is problematic and regrettable, particularly as racism is considered contrary to Islamic principles. While acknowledging Perkasa's right to champion Malay interests, he differentiated this from the promotion of racism, which he views as a fundamental issue that PAS should not align itself with.
Formal Working Relationship Announced on Specific Issues

PAS and Perkasa have formally announced a working relationship focused on three specific areas: the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, detentions under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). Although PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s political secretary, Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, clarified that this was not a "formal cooperation" but rather an agreement on these three issues, the underlying collaboration has drawn significant scrutiny. Perkasa itself is described as a right-leaning group championing Malay interests, with its president, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, having faced controversy in the past for alleged threats concerning Malay-language bibles.

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Why has PAS aligned with Perkasa despite its anti-racism stance?

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