Bleak future for PAS if sever ties with DAP - Analysis

Academician Professor Madya Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin, Pakatan Rakyat can still govern the state of Selangor even with smaller majority.

“The PR government can still rule Selangor even if they are unable to clinch two-third majorities at the State Assembly. If the party is ready to sever ties, the one that will feel the loss is PAS as it is clear that the party does not hold any power anymore. The move is an indication of PAS’ maturity in the politics today,” he said.

He further stated that if PAS decides to stand on its own it would only slow their crusade as an Islamic political party.

The acceptance of the non-Muslims towards PAS largely lies on the cooperation formed with DAP and PKR, said Dr Shaharuddin.

He also stressed that PAS will be at the losing end politically as effort to form a coalition with DAP is a Herculean task.

“For PAS, the co-operation with DAP takes a longer time, so the party should just seize the opportunity for the benefit of the rakyat.

“If PAS is on its own, it would only gain the support of the Malays and not from the other races in the country.

“If PAS uses the argument that it boasts an assembly hall made up of multi-race members and non-Muslim NGOs supporting it, this happened due to the cooperation and compromise within Pakatan Rakyat,” he added.

Dr Shaharuddin also explained that the non-Muslims will view PAS’ decision as strategy to ‘burn bridges’ with DAP … as an attitude that prohibits cooperation with the non-Muslims.

Within the two-system party that has been vastly accepted, PAS’ decision to be left alone should be thoroughly thought out.

“If PAS chooses to cooperate with UMNO, the idea must be gently refined to gauge the strength of the quarters, who wish to see the cooperation between the two,” he explained.