SHAH ALAM – Pas has three realistic and viable political options in facing the upcoming Johor state election, which is set to officially begin in less than a week.
Former Pas Central Committee member Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki said the three options are based on the concept of realpolitik, reflecting the actual political landscape and the party's efforts to achieve its goals.
He said the concept is aligned with the Mature and Prosperous Political Culture principle championed by Pas over the past decade, allowing the party to adopt a dynamic political approach as long as it remains within the framework of Islamic principles.
Explaining the first option, Zuhdi said Pas could choose to go solo to resolve the current turmoil within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"This first option is in line with what was proposed by the Pas spiritual leader earlier this year and has also received support from several Pas Youth leaders," he said in a statement on Sunday.
As for the second option, Zuhdi said there is room for Pas to re-establish cooperation with Umno or Barisan Nasional (BN) through the Muafakat Nasional (MN) 2.0 narrative.
He said the option appears achievable following a series of meetings reportedly held recently, as mentioned by the Pas deputy president.
Meanwhile, the third option would be to impose a moratorium on the decision to sever ties with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) until after the Johor state election.
The move would require the PN chairman to lead a temporary reconciliation with Bersatu, enabling PN to present a united front in the election.
Zuhdi said the third option also reflects the view of veteran journalist A. Kadir Jasin, who suggested that Pas reconcile with Bersatu to strengthen PN as a potentially formidable coalition in Malaysia.
He added that Pas' actual direction in facing the Johor polls remains unclear, leaving party workers at various levels awaiting instructions from the leadership.
Zuhdi stressed that, in making such a crucial decision, Pas must not ignore realities on the ground.
"All three options are practical and achievable as momentum builds ahead of the Johor state election.
"Pas cannot make decisions from an ivory tower while ignoring realities on the ground," he said.