Pas doubles down on its strongholds and eyes new ground as GE16 nears

KOTA BHARU — Pas has shifted its focus from winning elections to consolidating power and expanding its reach nationwide as it prepares for the 16th General Election (GE16).

In his policy speech at the party's 72nd Annual Muktamar, Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang outlined a strategy centred on strengthening the party's governing base while making deeper inroads into new political territory.

At the core of the plan is the continued development of the “State Base" or SG4 states - Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis - which Pas views as showcases of its governing model.

Abdul Hadi said the four states must continue to demonstrate effective administration, sound financial management and policy delivery to counter federal narratives and strengthen public confidence in Pas-led governments.

To support that objective, the states have introduced their own development blueprints, including the Pelan Induk Terengganu Sejahtera (PITAS), the Greater Kedah strategic plan and the recently launched Selangor Strategic Economy and Ihsan Development Plan (EHSAN), which the party says reflect its ability to govern beyond its traditional rural base.

At the same time, Pas is intensifying efforts to expand its influence in key battleground states.

Building on gains made in states such as Negeri Sembilan and Sabah, the party has identified Pahang, Perak and Selangor as strategic targets in its bid to strengthen Perikatan Nasional's parliamentary presence.

Pas is also mobilising its machinery for the upcoming Melaka state election, which Abdul Hadi described as an important test of voter sentiment ahead of GE16.

With political alignments in the state continuing to evolve, the Melaka polls are expected to serve as a key indicator of the opposition's ability to attract fence-sitters and extend its influence beyond its northern and east coast strongholds.