One thing is certain - the dynamics in PAS will shape the future of the Pakatan Rakyat opposition. The negative spillover from its 55th muktamar is already occurring as the component parties are demanding apologies and clarifications.

Some worry that this is the beginning of the end of Pakatan, paralleling the 2001 rise of the Terengganu faction in PAS which led to the end of the Barisan Alternatif. Last week’s muktamar has opened old wounds and fed insecurities, and has served to bring to the fore underlying weaknesses in Pakatan that will need to be addressed before the opposition is to move forward.

It is too early to predict collateral damage, but unless the weaknesses are addressed, the opposition will undercut itself and in the process irrevocably alienate a generation of voters.