Hadi must step aside for PAS to capture Putrajaya, say analysts
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (third from left) has revitalised the party but seems to have reached a 'plateau' when it comes to attracting Malay voters, according to Azmi Hassan. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Political analysts say Abdul Hadi Awang should step down as PAS president, warning that his continued leadership risks stagnating the party.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Hadi, 77, can take credit for transforming the Islamic party over two decades of his leadership.
Azmi Hassan.
'He has revitalised PAS, which has gone on to become the best performing party in the last general election,' Azmi told FMT.
However, he said, Hadi has also 'hit the ceiling' when it comes to the party's ambitions at national level.
PAS won 43 parliamentary seats at the 15th general election in 2022, and also controls the state governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.
'But now PAS seems to have reached a plateau when it comes to attracting Malay voters and has failed to woo non-Malays. Hadi's time is over,' he said.
Party needs new leadership
Azmi said that while PAS boasts a loyal following in the conservative Malay heartland, it has made little headway among non-Malay voters.
To lead the federal government, he said PAS must install a new leadership comprising professionals, and project a broader national image.
Like Azmi, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) believes PAS is unlikely to make progress unless a new leadership takes over.
Syaza Shukri.
However, she does not think the party will name a professional as its next leader.
'Those who take over will still be from the ulama faction. Someone like Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is not considered 'ulama enough'.
'So there's not going to be much change in terms of rhetoric towards non-Muslims,' she said.
On June 7, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah acknowledged that Malay-Muslim parties have struggled to gain the support of non-Malays.
However, Amar said PH's core support has become increasingly critical of the government led by PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim. He said PAS was targeting this group of voters as the party prepares for the next general election.
Kartini Aboo Talib.
Kartini Aboo Talib of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia says PAS already has capable leaders in its ranks to take over the leadership mantle from Hadi.
She named Samsuri, Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, as those capable of leading the party to new heights.
Hadi, said Kartini, could be appointed as an eminent advisor to the party.
James Chin of University of Tasmania said Hadi is unlikely to step down.
James Chin.
'He knows he is the glue that holds PAS together,' Chin told FMT. 'The PAS we see today basically mirrors Hadi.'
Chin said non-Malay voters will not back PAS even if Hadi is no longer at the helm as other leaders in the party also hold 'extreme views' on race and religion.
'Even if Hadi steps down, nothing much will change unless there is an overhaul,' he said.
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