Dream on, Hadi

Pas president Tan Sri Hadi Awang can dream on having a better presence in Sabah since the party ideology is contrary to the people of Sabah, said Universiti Malaysia Sabah analyst, Romzi Ationg.

Pas has always towards the Malay and Islamic struggle which was effective in Peninsula Malaysia compared to Sabah.

It currently has an appointed assemblyman -Sabah Pas commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan in the state legislative following the state polls in 2024.

“A lot depends on the diligence of the party leadership in ensuring the party’s image and ideology meet the preferences of voters in Sabah,” Romzi said, FMT reported.

Hadi had called upon his party to fortify its presence in Sabah by winning seats or by establishing alliances so that they “can form a government to liberate the nation without relying on aliens.”

He said this via Facebook on Aug 1.

His confidence is stemmed on the overwhelming youth presence during the Sabah Pas convention.

“Hadi says PAS will win, but based on the party’s track record, it’s difficult. Even increasing the number of votes it received in the past would be a significant achievement,” IIUM’s Lau Zhe Wei said.

Lau’s sentiments was also shared by another analyst.

“People know that Perikatan Nasional (which includes Bersatu and PAS) is about the Malay and Islamic struggle. How will they serve the non-Malay and non-Muslim communities in Sabah?” UMS’ Bilcher Bala said.