“I know politics and politicians are hated, but I still believe in the goodness of a heart that has selfless intentions. With the grace of The One Above, I will make a difference.”
– Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Indian politician
THE adage that “politics and religion do not mix” rings true in most cases, regardless of how vigorously the subject is debated. This is especially so in Malaysia, where religion-based political parties are not only permitted but legally registered.
The fusion of religion and politics often deepens communal fault lines, transforming matters of faith into instruments of political mobilisation rather than sources of moral guidance.
In recent times, we have witnessed incidents that hover somewhere between the bizarre and the unholy. The latest episode comes in the form of PAS’ rejection of UMNO’s proposed “grand collaboration”, as reported by Malaysiakini. Once again, this decision has laid bare the contradictions and growing unease surrounding PAS’ direction under its long-serving president, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
By declaring that PAS chooses unity only “in accordance with Allah’s decree”, Hadi has elevated what is essentially a political decision into the realm of divine certainty. In doing so, he has not merely rejected UMNO’s overture; he has effectively placed PAS beyond the reach of ordinary political reasoning, accountability, or compromise.
This is precisely what troubles many Malays and Muslims today. While other Malay-based parties speak openly about the need for Malay unity in an increasingly fragmented political landscape, PAS appears uncertain about whether unity is desirable at all – unless it is unity on PAS’ own terms.
The confusion is compounded by Hadi’s recent political history. Not long ago, he stood alongside Dr Mahathir Mohamad and leaders of other Malay parties at a gathering billed as the formation of a “Grand Umbrella” to unite Malays. At the time, the message was unequivocal: Malay political fragmentation posed a serious threat that demanded collective action.
Today, that same idea is dismissed outright. The reversal is striking, particularly given that Dr Mahathir – now recovering from an ankle injury – is no longer active in the political arena to respond or clarify.
Such flip-flopping leaves ordinary Malays asking a simple yet crucial question: what exactly does PAS want?
More alarming than PAS’ rejection of cooperation is the language used to justify it. Hadi’s reference to ‘syaitan bisu’ – “silent devils” – marks a dangerous escalation in political discourse.
He may not have named names, but no one is fooled. The “silent devils” clearly refer to other Malay-Muslim political parties and leaders who do not conform to PAS’ worldview. By casting political rivals as agents of evil, PAS is no longer debating policies or principles; it is passing moral judgement.
This is not unity. It is exclusion masquerading as piety.
With an ailing Hadi Awang still firmly at its helm, PAS appears increasingly insular and dogmatic. Rather than clarifying its long-term political vision, the party risks isolating itself through rhetoric that alienates even those Malays and Muslims who once regarded PAS as a principled alternative.
The rejection of a “grand collaboration” is not, in itself, the real issue. Political parties have every right to choose their allies.
The real danger lies in how that rejection is framed—as divine instruction, enforced through moral condemnation.
Politics guided by values is one thing. Politics that claims divine infallibility is quite another. Unity cannot be built by declaring others “silent devils”, and faith should never be weaponised to silence political debate.
There is a growing view that UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has demonstrated far greater political astuteness than his Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, particularly in recognising the risks of getting too close to PAS.
The experience of Bersatu stands as a cautionary tale. Once a dominant partner, Bersatu found itself gradually eclipsed and effectively absorbed by PAS, which now sets the tone and direction of the coalition.
By contrast, UMNO’s continued participation in the unity government alongside Pakatan Harapan affords the party far greater strategic space and relevance. It positions UMNO as a stabilising force within a diverse and plural society, rather than as a junior partner in a coalition dominated by rigid ideological narratives.
Any administration that seeks to govern primarily through religious dogma rather than practical policy is unlikely to deliver meaningful progress.
In this light, Hadi Awang would serve PAS far better by adopting a more measured and empathetic approach towards those he has branded as “silent devils”.
Ultimately, politics is about governance, public policy, and the management of differences within a plural society. Seasoned politicians understand a fundamental truth: there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics – only permanent interests.
History itself undermines PAS’ current posture. Not too long ago, PAS and DAP were allies within a functioning coalition, cooperating despite vast ideological differences.
If PAS could once work with DAP in pursuit of broader political objectives, it is difficult to justify today’s refusal even to tolerate fellow Malay-Muslim parties – let alone the need to resort to inflammatory labels.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com
