PAS’ ideology and dismal performance a liability for Umno

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From Ibrahim M Ahmad

With the 15th general election approaching, political parties will be scrambling behind the scenes to cement pacts capable of securing a majority in the Dewan Rakyat to form the next administration.

Holding only 37 of the 112 seats required for a simple majority, Umno’s grip on power is tenuous.

The current government which it leads – a multi-coalition patchwork randomly put together – only stands because it retains the support of Bersatu, PAS, the Sabah and Sarawak blocs, as well as several smaller parties and independent MPs.

To ensure that support, each party is given representation in the Cabinet.

PAS presently holds three ministerial and five deputy ministerial positions. On top of that, Abdul Hadi Awang has been made special envoy to the Middle East, a position with ministerial rank created by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to accommodate the party’s president.

It goes without saying that Ismail’s Cabinet projects the face of Umno and the ruling majority which the party leads. Unfortunately, it is perceived to be bloated, overpaid, outdated and underperforming.

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