SHAH ALAM - Pas may consider joining Pakatan Harapan based on their party strategy and the potential for receiving grants and rewards, as they are open to aligning with any party that suits their goals.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Centre for Communication and Media Studies, College of Computing, Informatics, and Media Professor Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman opined that Bersatu still encounters issues concerning sincerity and loyalty involving Pas.
However, Ismail noted that despite being members of parliament, most Pas members remain steadfast in their party allegiance and refrain from engaging in party-hopping.
"Pas demonstrates greater loyalty, sincerity, and strength compared to Bersatu, so it's conceivable that Pas could join and collaborate with Pakatan Harapan because they have the flexibility to align with any party that suits their interests.
"Perhaps Pas members have observed that several Bersatu members, including parliamentarians, have pledged support for the Unity Government, disregarding previous agreements.
"I believe that the disregard for these agreements by some Bersatu members may contribute to Pas's lack of seriousness towards any election,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted.
Ismail was referring to allegations of Pas’s lackluster campaigning on behalf of Perikatan Nasional (PN), which led to their defeat in the recent Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Media reports also indicated that some Pas members were not sincere in their efforts to campaign for PN, possibly due to their disappointment at not being able to contest the state seat.
Rewards and Benefits
He added that if Pas could receive rewards and benefits, it's possible they might consider joining Pakatan Harapan, given Pas's unique party strategy.
"The crucial aspect is that any party can collaborate, support one another, and mutually benefit from their efforts, which could pave the way for Pas to join Pakatan Harapan," he said.
Ismail stated that if Pas members observe the coalition dynamics closely, they may notice that while Pas remains committed, members from Bersatu has already pledged support to Pakatan Harapan due to grievances such as lack of grants and budget allocations.
He said that by joining Pakatan Harapan, Pas could reap rewards that could benefit them.
"They may focus on various areas of development, such as enhancing flight connectivity from Terengganu and Kelantan directly to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
"Pakatan Harapan, now strategically considering Pas's return to the coalition,” he added.
Ismail stressed that at the moment, Pas's top brass, including Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, still dependent on PN or Bersatu because it's the only party they can align with.
He said that they lack other options or specific parties to form a coalition or collaborate with.
Recently, PN failed to secure the state seat in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
This four-cornered contest involved PH candidate Pang Sock Tao, PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainuddin, and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.
The election was held following the death of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong due to cancer and was won by Pang with a majority of 14,000 votes, defeating Khairul (10,131), Hafizah (152), and Nyau (188).