Analyst agrees with Ismail's view on more space for PAS in PN

A political analyst has agreed that Perikatan Nasional (PN) should give more space to its component party PAS, which wields a strong influence over the Malay community.

Hisommudin Bakar of think tank Ilham Centre said PAS had impact and influence among PN components in addition to a formidable party machinery. 

"It is the biggest Malay party after Umno. It should be given the opportunity although the leadership factor might cause its president Abdul Hadi Awang to favour Muhyiddin Yassin more," he said, referring to the Bersatu leader. 

PN consists of Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR).

Last night, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the Islamist party should be more dominant within PN, amid differences in opinion between the PAS and Bersatu leaderships on cooperation with Barisan Nasional.

While Bersatu holds 30 seats in Parliament, only 13 of these were won at the last general election in 2018. The rest were due to the migration of MPs from Umno and PKR. 

PAS, meanwhile won 18 seats at the 14th general election and went on to form the state governments of Kelantan and Terengganu. 

It took over Kedah as well after the collapse of the state government led by Mukhriz Mahathir.

Hisommudin said although PAS was the stronger party, it appeared to favour giving chances to other components as it had done during its time in Pakatan Rakyat. 

"Even though they are strong and PKR is less so at the moment, PAS is still giving an opportunity for Anwar Ibrahim to become a candidate for prime minister," he said. 

"Maybe that is PAS' way."