KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — PAS has set its sights on winning control of three more states in the next general election, aiming to strengthen Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) position, including at the parliamentary level.
Party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said Pahang, Perak and Selangor were on the party’s radar, alongside efforts to boost its performance in the southern states and Sabah, Utusan Malaysia reported today.
“In the 15th General Election (GE15), PAS achieved its greatest success since its founding by forming governments in four states and securing the highest number of MPs compared to other parties.
“Therefore, we must defend the state assemblies and parliamentary seats we already hold. Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis, which are under PAS and PN, are our ‘base states’ that must be protected,” he said.
He made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at PAS’s 71st annual congress at the Kedah PAS Complex in Kota Sarang Semut today.
Elaborating further, Abdul Hadi said PAS’ Youth and Muslimat wings were responsible for maintaining the support of young voters in GE16 and must step up programmes that resonate with them across political and ethnic lines.
“Meeting grounds must be diversified so that this key group can be drawn closer to the Islamic struggle, thereby strengthening support ahead of the election.
“Youth and Muslimat must also showcase more figures who can serve as the people’s voice and as icons for young voters.
“They must take the lead in championing community issues that can shape public thinking and guide a generation that is rapidly changing,” he said.
According to him, young and female voters would be the decisive battleground for PAS in GE16.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said PAS Supporters’ Congress (DHPP), the National Unity Council and the Dakwah Committee carried an important role in reaching out to non-Muslim-majority areas and swing constituencies in Muslim-majority seats.
He said such efforts must be carefully planned and impactful, whether through involvement in state governments or by proving that religious rights would not be undermined under PAS’ leadership.
