PAS: Our Sacrifice Preserved Malay-Islam Leadership in Johor

The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) likened its efforts in the recent Johor state election to a "candle burning itself" to ensure the continued political leadership of Malays and Muslims. Despite not winning any seats itself, PAS mobilized its members to campaign for the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in constituencies where PAS was not competing.

PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang stated his gratitude for the party's sacrifice, which he believes helped "save" Johor and secure BN's victory with 48 state seats. He explained that PAS members were instructed to vote for BN to defeat the Democratic Action Party (DAP). "It's okay for us. Winning even one seat is okay, not winning any seat is okay because we are doing reform, an effort to improve the situation according to our ability," he said.

Abdul Hadi emphasized that this sacrifice was made to defend Malay and Islamic political power and to defeat the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. "PAS members are willing to sacrifice. Coming from all over the country, campaigning in Johor and wherever needed. PAS members are okay, willing to sacrifice themselves, become a candle that burns itself to give light to others. We do all this because we want to maintain Malay and Islamic political power. Alhamdulillah, Johor is safe," he stated.

He also cautioned BN against complacency, reminding them that their strength is not permanent. "We are willing to cooperate, still under UMNO's leadership. We hope they repent and we give cooperation because they are not strong forever," he said, adding that UMNO lost some seats to DAP candidates in the previous election. Abdul Hadi clarified that PAS's participation was not to take over the state leadership but to ensure Malay leadership remained in power, as too many Malay parties competing could split the Malay vote. PAS is open to cooperating with non-Muslim communities as long as it benefits the community and does not interfere with Islamic affairs.