Why PAS can win in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu

 The party has sought to convey a message that what is important for Muslims is hard work, not expectations of immediate gratification, and faith in God.

From P Ramasamy

One recent article finds it difficult to explain the conundrum behind the socioeconomic development of states like Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu and their political affinity to PAS.

These economically backward states continue to return PAS to power in almost every election.

It is unthinkable for other Malay-based parties to try gaining an electoral foothold in these predominantly Malay-Muslim states.

Years back, sociologist Clive Kessler wrote (Islam and Politics in a Malay State: Kelantan 1838-1969) on politics in Kelantan in which he sought to explain the enduring strength of PAS.

Socioeconomic indicators might explain electoral success or failure in other states in the country, but certainly not the three I mentioned.

Ideational and material aspects are important for understanding the political behaviour of Malays in these states.

While other Malay political parties such as Umno overemphasise material aspects to politically oust PAS from these states, a one-sided focus yields no results.

However, PAS, having a long-standing presence in these states, has combined the material and ideational spheres successfully to obtain political support.

PAS, by emphasising on the afterworld, has sought to convey a message that what is important for Muslims is hard work, not expectations of immediate gratification, and faith in God.

Umno, a nationalist party often associated with the Malay elites and their wrongdoings, has positioned itself as an immoral political party.

PAS, on the other hand, led by religious scholars, is seen as having morally upright leadership.

The material dimension is there, but it is not placed on a pedestal to gain political support.

The very fact that PAS controls the state administration means that ordinary Malay peasants understand how they could obtain support on land matters from the PAS administration.

It is not that materialism is not important, but the question is how PAS weaves the material aspects with questions of morality, religion and faith.

In short, while the other Malay-based political parties sought the support of the Malays on the basis of material development, the ideological basis of such pursuit was missing.

Malay nationalism lacked the moral character especially in light of the excesses committed.

PAS, on the other hand, sought to ground material pursuits on the basis of a religious moral order. - FMT

P Ramasamy is the chairman of Urimai and a former Penang deputy chief minister.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.