The recent muktamar (general assembly) of the Malaysian Islamist opposition — Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) — has clearly set out the future direction of the party.

The strong signal sent by the party’s grassroots that it should end its working relationship with Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has been read by many observers of Malaysian politics as a clear signal that PAS plans to work instead with the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) in the upcoming general election.

However, this ignores the virulently anti-Umno sentiments that have been consistently advocated by PAS members during the proceedings of the muktamar. In fact, it is likely that the party will try to win the northern states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, while trying to play kingmaker at the next Malaysian general election.

… Mohamed Nawab Mohamed Osman is assistant professor and coordinator of the Malaysia Programme in S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.