Why PAS attacks DAP as election looms?

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PAS Attacks on DAP Likely a Diversion Tactic Ahead of Party Elections

The recent barrage of criticisms from PAS towards the Democratic Action Party (DAP) is widely perceived as a strategic manoeuvre to divert attention from internal conflicts within PAS as it prepares for its upcoming party elections. This perspective suggests that PAS's public pronouncements against its political ally are intended to mask internal struggles and consolidate support among its base before the crucial internal polls.
Internal Party Struggles as a Pretext for External Criticism

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has articulated that the spate of attacks from PAS is a deliberate tactic to "cover up" the ongoing internal campaigning within PAS. This interpretation posits that PAS leadership is employing external friction with the DAP to unify its membership and distract from potential leadership challenges or policy disagreements that may be surfacing internally. The timing of these criticisms, immediately preceding PAS's own elections, lends credence to this view, suggesting a strategic deployment of blame and external pressure.
Strained Bilateral Relations and Specific Grievances

The relationship between DAP and PAS has become increasingly strained in recent months, primarily stemming from PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's tabling of a private member's Bill in Parliament. This Bill sought to enable Kelantan to implement its controversial Islamic Shariah criminal system, a move that has caused significant divergence in policy and ideology between the two coalition partners. Lim Guan Eng has specifically demanded explanations from Hadi regarding alleged breaches of the Pakatan Rakyat common manifesto.
Questions Over Hadi's Political Alignments and Commitments

Beyond the hudud Bill, Lim Guan Eng has raised several other contentious issues that highlight the growing chasm between PAS and DAP. These include questioning Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's endorsement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak amidst the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad controversy and his stated desire to form a national unity government with Umno. Furthermore, Hadi's refusal to support PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the Permatang Pauh by-election has also been a point of contention, signalling a departure from established coalition principles.
Allegations of Selective Outrage and Unfair Criticism

A significant point of contention involves Hadi's assertion that Muslims have an obligation to be angry with the DAP for opposing hudud law. Lim Guan Eng has called for an explanation on why this sentiment was directed solely at the DAP, without acknowledging the opposition to hudud law from other Muslim groups, non-Muslims, and individuals from Sabah and Sarawak. This selective targeting is viewed as an attempt to frame the DAP as an antagonist to Islamic principles, potentially galvanising PAS's more conservative elements.

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Why PAS attacks DAP as election looms?

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