The ‘enemy’ within PAS
COMMENT PAS as a political party has come a long way. It had some brilliant leaders in the past but at the same time it had its share of mediocre and extremist leaders. Like any other political parties, despite the religious rhetoric, PAS had gone through many internal struggles. However, the struggles within PAS have often been interpreted as struggles against the Umno/BN and lately against DAP and to some extent against PKR.
COMMENT PAS as a political party has come a long way. It had some brilliant leaders in the past but at the same time it had its share of mediocre and extremist leaders. Like any other political parties, despite the religious rhetoric, PAS had gone through many internal struggles. However, the struggles within PAS have often been interpreted as struggles against the Umno/BN and lately against DAP and to some extent against PKR.
In fact it is the differences between the PAS leadership with DAP was made out to be the main reason why PAS severed its relationship with DAP in its recent 61st muktamar. Those professionals who were purged in the party elections are those had supposedly good working relationship with both DAP and to some extent PKR.
In the party’s muktamar and the days before this, DAP was identified as the main culprit, the ‘enemy’ of PAS, and those leaders who had amicable ties with it were portrayed as those who had sold out the interests of PAS.
The primary responsibility was assigned to the DAP as the cause of all ‘evils’ in PAS and hence the decision to terminate its ties.
The argument that the shura council would have to make the final decision on ties with DAP was merely a drama enacted to show that PAS still remained with the fold of Pakatan and most importantly, the necessity to remain in power in Selangor was definitely a consideration.
Now the question is who is the real enemy of the ulama faction in PAS? Is it DAP, Umno or PKR or is it the small but powerful group that was identified as professionals and educated.
If one makes a cursory examination of the history of internal conflicts in PAS or for that matter in any other political parties, it is the ideological conflict between factions that determine the course of political parties.
In its early history, it was ideological differences that differentiated those who joined the then-Pan-Malayan Islamic (the forerunner of the present PAS) and Umno. It was ideological conflict on what should be an Islamic struggle that weaned away PAS from its cohabitation with Umno.
Similarly, it was the struggle within PAS in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s that established the supremacy of the ulama.
The ulama never had a preponderant hold on political power although in religious terms they had an upper hand. But over the years, the joining of hundreds of professionals and those who had the benefit of liberal education began changing the character and outlook of PAS.
Articulate on a broad range of issues
With the coming together of PAS, PKR and DAP in opposition to Umno and BN under the umbrella of Pakatan, the professionals in PAS began to cultivate and promote good ties with DAP and PKR. Since these PAS leaders had a broader vision of society and their commitment to promote good governance, they became articulate on a broad range of issues.
However, those who formed the ulama group with Hadi Awang its leader were never comfortable with these professionals. Unable to match these professionals in terms of skills, competence and understanding, it was only a matter of time before professionals became suspect in the eyes of the ulama.
Jealousy notwithstanding, it was the fear of losing power to the professionals that led the ulama groups to cultivate ties with Umno and hence the push towards the implementation of hudud. Implementation of hudud had nothing to do with the so-called religious credentials of the ulama; it had to do with the struggle within.
It was the fear that the professionals would one day unseat the ulama from power in the party that actually led to the present conflict, although it was orchestrated as though the party was putting a stop to DAP’s interference in the internal affairs of the party.
Mohamad Sabu ( photo ), the former deputy president of PAS, said that after he lost in the elections that the whole election exercise was engineered for the ulama to grab political power. Yes, without power, the ulama would not be able to do anything, but it was not just merely for power for the sake of power, but power to manage the party and to promote Islam in a conservative way as deemed by the ulama.
The struggle within PAS, between the two factions, is an old one. Only the issues and characters are different. PAS’ attempt to move closely towards Umno in the name of the unity of ummah (Muslim unity) is merely a gimmick to weaken the forces of the professionals. For Umno, embracing PAS means not only weakening its main enemy Pakatan, but the eventual death-knell for the Islamic party!
P RAMASAMY is Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang and the assemblyperson for Perai.
Related reports
New PAS CWC member waxes lyrical about future
‘PAS a hypocrite if doesn't quit S’gor gov’t’
Kit Siang: No common policy, means no Pakatan
'PAS has no choice but to sever ties with DAP'
PAS or DAP, crunch time for Azmin
DAP 'evil' for appointing PAS in Penang gov't
Put your voters above feud, Azmin tells DAP, PAS
'Discipline me if I jumped gun', Mujahid tells PAS
PAS won’t review position in Pakatan so soon
PAS no longer the way it was, laments Aishah
'Pakatan will do fine without PAS in elections'
Review 'sever ties' move, Anwar pleads to PAS
PasMa, bide your time before you strike
After PAS polls, all eyes now on Selangor
PAS can’t divorce and still sleep in same bed
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.