Is it all about Malay votes, PAS?

IT was a relatively subdued affair at the recently-concluded 62nd Annual PAS Muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan.

While most may be expecting fireworks due to the tabling of the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Bill 2016 by the Islamist party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in the latest Parliament session, there was nothing out of the ordinary spewed during the debates and speeches.

The intermittent recitations of Quranic verses and reminders engaging members to stick to the party's struggle was the order of the day for the relatively shortened Muktamar.

In the past years, the Muktamar would normally take place between five and six days. This year, the four-day congregation was cut short to make way for the by-elections in Kuala Kangsar, Perak and Sungai Besar, Selangor on June 18.

It was a foregone conclusion that the present party leadership look set on their course to push the frontier in upholding the Islamic agenda in Malaysia. This, despite what the naysayers saying about the much-hyped debate of the implementation of hudud in this country.

However, there were several subtle indifference at this year's Muktamar - it was strangely tinged with heavier 'Malay' elements.

The traditional garb worn by party leaders during the first day of Muktamar was a sight to behold. While the usage of a giant 'keris' (Malay weapon) used by Abdul Hadi to cut the cake, raised several eyebrows among attendees and observers alike.

Most political pundits saw these nuances as a signal that the party is shifting back towards garnering solid support from the Malays.

Despite still standing steadfastly behind the slogan of 'PAS for All', there were something amiss. The leaders' actions and body language seemed to indicate the opposite.

In addition, with a motion to reassess their ties with PKR passed without a debate certainly fueled the perception that PAS is looking at 'going solo'. This is despite their ties with the political minnows, Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia, Ikatan.

They even fired salvo towards their splinter party, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) by equating a vote for the party meant a vote for DAP.

Maybe, those in the upper echelons of PAS realised, they would be better off 'alone'.

With their relentless push for the elevation of Syariah Courts, the party is definitely risking being ostracised by those who oppose the bill, especially the non-Muslims.

Coupled with Abdul Hadi's scathing remark that 'the non-Muslims have no business interfering in Muslim affairs', the party's approval rating among this section of voters is relatively lower than what they enjoyed during their Pakatan Rakyat heyday.

Their litmus test: the upcoming double by-elections which see, at least a three-cornered fight.

If they could win both these contests, the party leaders may be led to believe they are on the right track.

If the opposite happens, perhaps the party need to do some soul searching of their own.

Maybe then, they can ask themselves, is it really about the Malay votes?