SHAH ALAM - Pas will likely be training its guns on Budget 2024 in its 69th Muktamar by needling on the supply bill's widely perceived lack of measures to address and alleviate the cost of living.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Political Science Association Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said that Pas will likely criticise the budget for not going far enough to assist the people.
"A particular point of contention will be the reduction in subsidies, especially for essential food items, as these subsidies have been seen as a means to alleviate the cost of living," she told Sinar Daily when contacted.
Meanwhile, Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA) Political Sociology Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin acknowledged Pas's intention to critique the budget.
However, he sounded skeptical about the effectiveness of their arguments, suggesting that Pas may need more intellectual firepower to present a compelling case.
"Pas, as part of Perikatan Nasional (PN), has struggled to offer robust arguments against unity government.
"Intellectually and academically rather ineffective,” he said.
Shamsul believes that Pas needs to improve the quality of their argument and narrative to respond to Budget 2024 effectively.
He further noted that Pas and PN lack respected economists like Umno's Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and vocal public critics like Isham Jalil, which may hinder their ability to engage in constructive debates.
On the other hand, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun pointed out that Pas might face challenges in playing the religion card this time around.
"This is due to the increased allocation for religious propagation and various projects scheduled to take place in Pas-controlled states," he said.
The Pas Dewan Ulama, Dewan Pemuda, and Dewan Muslimat will hold their assemblies on Oct 18 and 19, ahead of the muktamar, at the Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam.
Apart from this, the Pas Supporters' Assembly and Pas Assabiqun Convention will be held at Hotel De Palma in Shah Alam on Oct 19.