In 2005 the Young Turks in PAS led by deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa swept to power, bringing a promise of greater dialogue and engagement. They aimed to re-brand the party to strengthen its national electoral position, with the hope of expanding its support reminiscent of the heyday 'reformasi' era.

This first weekend in June, they faced a serious challenge, led by the conservative ulama Harun Taib from Terengganu. They survived the conservative putsch, but not without significant damage.

The party's divisions came to the fore, and the internal and external obstacles for strengthening PAS' support nation-wide are more pressing than ever.