Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) is Malaysia’s largest and most influential Islamic political party. Founded in the early post-independence era, PAS has evolved from a small ulama-led party into a formidable force with deep grassroots support, especially in the Malay heartland. Its ideology, actions, and political alliances continue to shape Malaysia’s evolving relationship between religion, identity, and governance.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 23 August 1951 (originally as Persatuan Islam Sa-Malaya)
- Origin: Breakaway from UMNO’s religious wing
- Core Ideology: Political Islam, Islamic statehood, Malay-Muslim unity
- Slogan: Membangun Bersama Islam (“Developing with Islam”)
- Key Achievements: Longtime ruler of Kelantan and Terengganu; key player in federal politics post-2018; consistent advocate for Islamic law and governance
Origins: An Islamic Response to Nationalism
- Why PAS was formed: A group of religious scholars (ulama) who were dissatisfied with UMNO’s secular-nationalist orientation formed their own Islamic party, originally within UMNO’s structure.
- Early mission: Promote an Islamic political agenda and represent the interests of devout Muslim Malays.
- First breakaway: In 1951, PAS was officially founded to push for an Islamic state as a counterbalance to UMNO’s secularism and the multiracial Alliance model.
First Electoral Steps and Early Growth
- 1959 general election: PAS won control of Kelantan, marking the beginning of its stronghold in the east coast Malay states.
- Expansion: Built a loyal base among rural Malays through mosques, Islamic schools, and grassroots welfare efforts.
- Ideological consistency: Unlike other major parties, PAS maintained a strong religious identity, even during politically isolated periods.
The Push for an Islamic State
- 1980s–1990s: PAS ramped up calls for hudud laws and a theocratic Islamic state, leading to national debates and tensions with federal authorities.
- Vision Document 1999: Articulated PAS’s goal of establishing a government based on Islamic principles, sparking both support and concern.
Electoral Alliances
- 1999 general election: Joined Barisan Alternatif with DAP and PKR during the Reformasi wave. PAS made electoral gains but the alliance fractured due to ideological clashes.
- Pakatan Rakyat (2008–2015): PAS softened its Islamist image to work with secular parties. It gained non-Muslim support in some areas but faced internal resistance.
Key Leaders Through History
| Leader | Term | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Abbas Alias | 1951–1956 | Founding president; shaped the early Islamic identity of the party. |
| Dr. Burhanuddin al-Helmy | 1956–1969 | Expanded PAS’s ideology to include anti-colonialism and social justice; charismatic and intellectual. |
| Tan Sri Asri Muda | 1969–1982 | Led PAS into the Barisan Nasional coalition (1973–1977); ousted after PAS was expelled. |
| Datuk Fadzil Noor | 1989–2002 | Modernized PAS and opened dialogues with opposition parties. |
| Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang | 2002–Present | Current president; architect of PAS’s hardline Islamic stance and current conservative alliances. |
PAS in the 21st Century
- Return to grassroots: Focused heavily on Kelantan and Terengganu, both of which PAS has ruled at various points.
- 2015 split: Internal disputes over cooperating with DAP led to the formation of Amanah, a progressive Islamic splinter party.
- New alliances: PAS aligned with UMNO through Muafakat Nasional (2019), then with Perikatan Nasional (PN) alongside Bersatu, cementing its role in federal power.
2020–Present: Political Power Rises
- 2020–2022: PAS was part of the federal government under the PN-led coalition following the Sheraton Move.
- 2022 general election: PAS emerged as the single party with the most parliamentary seats (43) — a historic feat. PN, led by PAS and Bersatu, became the main opposition bloc.
- Current role: Governs Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah; plays a dominant role in the federal opposition; pushes for stronger Islamic governance at state level.