Ahmad Samsuri’s Vision for Perikatan Nasional: Beyond Malay-Muslim Strongholds
Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, recently appointed chairman of Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, has signaled a strategic shift towards broader inclusivity. He emphasized the need to engage ethnic minority communities, moving beyond the coalition’s traditional Malay-Muslim voter base, as PN aims for a more prominent role in shaping the nation’s future.
Breaking from ‘Kampung Politics’
Samsuri, who is also vice president of PAS, articulated a need for the party to move beyond what he termed “kampung politics” – focusing solely on rural, Malay-majority areas. He stressed the importance of competing at state, federal, and even international levels. This ambition reflects a recognition that sustained national influence requires a wider appeal.
PAS’s Ascendancy and a National Role
The shift in strategy comes as PAS experiences a period of unprecedented political strength. With 43 parliamentary seats secured in the 2022 General Election – surpassing the Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) 40 seats – PAS is positioned to demand a more central role within PN and in any future government. Samsuri believes “it’s time for us to play a more prominent role in the formation of the country’s future.”
A Shared Leadership Model
Despite speculation, Samsuri dismissed any personal ambition to become Prime Minister. He stated his belief that effective governance requires a shared leadership approach, rather than relying on a single dominant figure. He indicated a willingness to contribute to forming the next government, should PN be called upon to do so.
Addressing Concerns About PAS’s Image
Historically, PAS has been perceived by some non-Muslim communities as a conservative, even “extreme” party. Samsuri acknowledged the need for self-reflection and a more open approach to demonstrate the party’s capabilities and address these concerns. He highlighted the development of strategies to engage with Malaysia’s diverse demographics, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.
PN’s Composition and Future Prospects
Perikatan Nasional is primarily composed of PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), with smaller contributions from Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP). Samsuri’s vision suggests a potential rebalancing of power within the coalition, with PAS seeking to leverage its recent electoral success to take a leading position.
FAQ
Q: Is Ahmad Samsuri likely to be PN’s prime ministerial candidate?
A: While he has stated he doesn’t harbor such ambitions, as chairman of PN, he is widely considered the likely candidate ahead of the next election.
Q: What is PAS’s current standing in Malaysian politics?
A: PAS currently holds 43 parliamentary seats, making it the largest party in Parliament, surpassing DAP.
Q: What is PN’s strategy for engaging with non-Muslim communities?
A: Samsuri indicated the development of specific strategies to engage with diverse demographics, but details have not yet been publicly released.
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