PAS MUKTAMAR | More than 1,500 delegates from across the country are expected to closely follow the 72nd PAS Muktamar, which will take place from Sept 2 to 5.
The annual event will return to the land of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, and the PAS stronghold state is certainly expected to provide a morale boost for all levels of the party’s activists, particularly ahead of the 16th general election.
As usual, this year’s muktamar will begin with deliberations at the party wings. The Youth Muktamar will be held at a hotel on the banks of the Kelantan River in Kota Bharu on Sept 2 and 3.
The PAS Ulama Wing Muktamar will be held on Sept 3 at a hall in Kota Bharu, while the Muslimat Wing Muktamar will take place at the Islamic Education Complex in Bachok on the same day.
The main event, the PAS Central Muktamar, will be held on Sept 4 and 5 at the Kelantan Islamic Education Centre (Putik) in Pengkalan Chepa.
PAS is expected to highlight its agenda and positions as it charts its path towards Putrajaya, the ambition of all political parties heading into GE16.
But what rhythm will accompany its march to ensure that this dream and objective are no longer delayed?
At last year’s muktamar, one of the key questions was who PAS would put forward as its prime ministerial candidate, alongside its stated ambition and determination to take over the leadership of Perikatan Nasional.
Now, the identity of PN or PAS’ prime ministerial candidate remains a secret. The candidate will, of course, come from among the “truckloads” of choices available.
Magic of Samsuri and Bersatu’s fate
PAS has, however, at least succeeded in taking over and leading PN, although this came at the cost of confrontation with Bersatu.
Over the past year, PAS has undergone numerous changes in position, including deciding to sever cooperation with Bersatu and accepting new members into PN.
Despite these changes, PAS is not expected to name one of its own leaders as its prime ministerial candidate. The reason may simply be that the time has not yet come to do so.
Or perhaps PAS has another candidate who is not from the party, for example following the reappointment of Wawasan Negara president Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader.
This is because it is generally assumed that the opposition leader is, indirectly, a potential candidate to be elevated to the premiership.
Nevertheless, PAS appears to have made its preparations, particularly after its vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was chosen as PN chairperson, replacing Muhyiddin Yassin.
Under the Terengganu menteri besar’s “magical” leadership touch, PN has undergone several drastic changes. Among them was the admission of new component parties, Wawasan and Pejuang.
There have also been what appear to be attempts to remove Bersatu from PN, and the conflict does not appear to have been fully resolved.
Therefore, this year’s PAS Muktamar is also expected to address the issue and push for Bersatu’s presence in PN to be wiped out as soon as possible.
Bersatu is now PAS’ “adversary”. This status needs to be formalised, including by resolving existing arrangements and cooperation at the state level.
In Perlis, for example, disagreements there were seen as one of the reasons PAS decided to sever ties with Bersatu. The situation in the state known as Indera Kayangan will certainly continue to leave PAS uneasy.
No less important is how Samsuri has steered PN towards a renewed understanding with BN. What took place in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections carries significant meaning.
‘Compulsory motion’
Therefore, the stage at the muktamar is expected to become a platform to further amplify calls for cooperation between PN and BN under the agenda of Muslim unity, following the previous failure of Muafakat Nasional.
As PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan recently signalled, cooperation between PN and BN will be a “compulsory motion” at this year’s muktamar.
It would appear to be an affirmation that PAS will apply “pressure” for the convoluted Muslim unity agenda to be realised as soon as possible, thereby widening its path towards Putrajaya.
Umno leaders themselves have already responded positively, saying they will accept PAS’ invitation to attend the party’s annual gathering.
However, amid this enthusiasm, the approaching Malacca state election is seen as posing some obstacles to the immediate implementation of cooperation between the two major coalitions.
BN will certainly face a dilemma in deciding on a strategic partner to defend its hold on Malacca, or whether to go it alone.
Perhaps, in front of BN leaders at Putik later, PAS can appeal for the cooperation forged previously in Negeri Sembilan to once again blossom into “love” in the land of Hang Tuah.
The muktamar is also expected to further fire up PAS’ fighting spirit, particularly through narratives highlighting the weaknesses of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
Issues concerning education, the economy and social affairs, including the perceived “threat” of DAP, are likely to remain among the arguments featured in speeches and debates by delegates and leaders.
Final gathering before GE16
In this regard, PAS assistant secretary-general Syahir Sulaiman said this year’s muktamar would be the party’s final gathering before GE16, with priority being placed on external matters.
“The external focus covers policy offerings and a framework for governing the country, namely politics, the economy, social matters and unity.
“Expand control in targeted states, and determine the direction of political cooperation, whether through a coalition or an understanding.
“The internal focus, meanwhile, involves strengthening the party organisation and machinery to defend all parliamentary and state assembly seats won,” he told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Clearly, PAS, as one of the country’s major political parties, must consider many matters, particularly at a time when major decisions must be carefully and skilfully crafted.
Amid the political manoeuvring, PAS must also “sell” its record in the states it governs, such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
The appearance of outspoken Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor at a ceramah held in conjunction with the muktamar will undoubtedly be eagerly awaited by supporters, who will greet him with cries of takbir.
The PAS and PN election director will beat the drums of war, dispensing words of wisdom and spraying volleys of ammunition at their enemies.
Wallahualam (God knows best). - Mkini
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