PAS has called for the revival of Muafakat Nasional 2.0 to strengthen Malay-Muslim political unity in the run-up to the Johor state election [1]. The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1, paving the way for the upcoming polls [1].
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man urged major Malay-based parties to set aside differences and prioritise the future of the Malay and Muslim communities. "Now is the time to realise Muafakat Nasional 2.0. PAS hopes all major parties, especially Malay-based parties in the country, will reflect seriously, be open-minded, set aside differences and prioritise the future of the bangsa and the ummah," he said [1].
Muafakat Nasional was originally formed amid concern that the Pakatan Harapan government might disrupt peace and harmony in Malaysia [1]. PAS stressed that Islam should remain the central unifying force in Malay politics by rallying all Malay-Muslim parties together [1].
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang outlined plans for a wider political alignment ahead of the Johor state election, which include cooperation with Islamic NGOs and influential Muslim community figures [2]. "Among them, we are involving not only Malay-Muslim parties, including Islamic NGOs and influential figures within the Muslim community. We take all of this into account," he said [2].
Tan Sri Hadi confirmed PAS will contest seats based on strategic considerations of influence and winnability. "We will contest. In principle we will contest, but it will be assessed in terms of our influence, our chances to campaign and candidates," he said [2]. He added contesting every seat is not necessary and PAS may negotiate to contest under the Perikatan Nasional banner where advantageous [2].
A key meeting is scheduled today, August 24, between PAS leadership in Johor and the national party to finalize seat negotiations, campaign arrangements, and branding decisions [2]. These discussions will guide PAS’s role and alliances in the forthcoming Johor polls.
The Johor state election will test PAS’s ability to coordinate Malay-Muslim parties, NGOs, and community leaders in a unified front to safeguard Malay, Muslim, and Bumiputera interests.
