Halimah's vision: Make PAS non-Muslims' top choice in 2030

PAS unity bureau chairperson Dr Halimah Ali has a vision. She wants non-Muslims to consider the Islamist party as their number one pick in 2030.

For now, the bureau would organise a two-day retreat to brainstorm strategies and plans on how to win over their hearts and minds, which included becoming more familiar with their issues.

Halimah (above, right) said non-Muslim votes are crucial for PAS to realise its ambition of ruling both the nation and Selangor, which has been under Pakatan Harapan’s control since the 2008 general election.

“So we want all state PAS chapters to be with us during this retreat to discuss ways and approaches to achieve this objective,” she was quoted as saying by Harakah.

The Jan 19-20 retreat would be officiated by Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who has been touted as PAS’ prime minister candidate.

Halimah also recalled PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s remarks at the party’s muktamar last October.

Important to attract non-Malay voters

In his policy speech, Hadi described attracting more non-Muslim support for PAS, which has the most number of seats in Parliament, as pivotal.

“We have successfully gained the support of Malay-Muslim voters in GE15, so the important and challenging task ahead is to attract non-Muslim and non-Malay voters in GE16.

“This matter is crucial and should be discussed and implemented with hard work, organisation, and wisdom,” he added.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang

Hadi also acknowledged PAS’ weakness in this aspect had led to Perikatan Nasional failing to secure sufficient seats to form the federal government after the 2022 general election.

Among others, the PAS president advised against using the “Green Wave” narrative, stating that it encourages Islamophobia and creates fear among non-Muslims.

DAP, which tops Hadi’s list of adversaries, is the second-largest party with 40 federal seats. It is also the party with the most seats, among the parties that form the Harapan-BN coalition government. - Mkini