Unifying Malay-Muslim political power does not mean racism

For PAS Perlis Ulama Council chief Ahmad Adnan Fadzil, bringing Malay-Muslim political forces together is a route to greater influence, not a form of racism. The issue is expected to draw attention at PAS’s 72nd annual congress in Kelantan from Sept. 2 to 5.

The discussion follows what Fadzil described as a new political situation after state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. He said PAS was looking for ways to unite Malay-Muslim political power, arguing that division among Malay voters made it harder for them to lead while other communities were united.

Fadzil identified PAS and UMNO as Malaysia’s two largest Malay-Muslim parties. He said grassroots members would follow whatever cooperation strategy the national leadership approved. In Perlis, he said he personally hoped PAS or Perikatan Nasional could work with UMNO, and that PAS, PN and Barisan Nasional might eventually cooperate to contest the next general election and form a state government together.

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We are looking for opportunities that would allow Malay-Muslim political power to govern.

That possibility remains unsettled. Fadzil noted reports that UMNO intends to contest alone in Perlis, but said it was unclear whether this represented the party leadership or only certain voices within UMNO. He maintained that PAS believed voter confidence remained with the party and that it had a chance to retain its position, while cooperation could make Malay-Muslim political power stronger.

He framed the proposed partnership as a symbol of unity between PAS and UMNO, or between PN and BN. In his view, religion and nationalism have historically provided a durable foundation for political movements. The practical terms of any alliance, however, remain with the respective party leaderships.

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In our hearts, we do want PAS or Perikatan Nasional to cooperate with UMNO in Perlis.