FridayOL

PETALING JAYA: A growing chorus of political analysts are suggesting that Abdul Hadi Awang, the long-standing president of PAS, should consider stepping down. Their concern? That his continued leadership could be a significant obstacle to PAS achieving its ultimate goal of capturing Putrajaya, the Malaysian seat of government.

Azmi Hassan, a political analyst from Akademi Nusantara, was particularly vocal, stating that Hadi's leadership is creating a sense of stagnation within the party. He believes a change in leadership could revitalize PAS and broaden its appeal to a wider range of voters. “Hadi’s image and approach have become somewhat polarizing,” Azmi explained. “A fresh face could potentially attract younger voters and those disillusioned with the current political landscape.”

The analysts' perspective comes amidst ongoing discussions about the potential for a PAS-led government. While PAS has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, largely fueled by its appeal to conservative voters, analysts suggest that the party needs to evolve if it hopes to secure a parliamentary majority. This evolution, they argue, could involve a leadership transition.

Other analysts echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for PAS to present a more inclusive and forward-looking image. They suggest that Hadi's often controversial statements and rigid ideological stance are hindering the party's ability to attract support from moderate Malaysians and other communities.

“PAS needs to demonstrate that it can be a responsible and inclusive governing party,” stated Dr. Wong Chin Huat, a professor of political science at Monash University Malaysia. “While maintaining its core values is important, the party must also show a willingness to compromise and work with other parties to address the country's challenges.”

The call for Hadi’s resignation isn't necessarily a reflection of a lack of respect for his contributions to PAS. Many acknowledge his decades of service and his role in shaping the party's identity. However, the analysts argue that the current political climate demands a different approach – one that prioritizes coalition-building and broad-based appeal.

The question now is whether Hadi will heed the advice of these analysts. His response could significantly impact PAS's future trajectory and its prospects of realizing its ambition of leading the country. The internal dynamics within PAS, and the potential for a power struggle, are also factors to consider. Ultimately, the decision rests with Hadi and the party's leadership council, but the pressure to consider a change is clearly mounting.

This debate highlights the complex challenges facing Malaysian political parties as they navigate a rapidly changing political landscape. The need to balance ideological purity with electoral pragmatism is a constant tension, and PAS’s future may well depend on its ability to strike that balance.