A Selangor Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Youth leader has proposed that members should marry wives from different races and cultures to earn votes from non-Malay voters.
Background
During the party’s 70th muktamar (conference) on Sep. 12, Selangor PAS Youth secretary Aubidullah Fahim Ibrahim suggested that leaders of the youth wing commit to cross-ethnic or cross-cultural marriages. This proposal, as translated by Malaysiakini, aims to attract non-Malay and non-Muslim votes, potentially earning the party 10 or even hundreds more votes. The suggestion drew laughter from the crowd, and Aubidullah jokingly challenged PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden and his central committee members to take up the idea, with PAS Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar leading the way.
Earning votes through marriage
Aubidullah’s proposal came after PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man encouraged the party to focus on attracting support from non-Malay voters in preparation for the next General Election. The strategy of inter-racial marriages is seen as an unconventional approach to secure individual votes and attract a broader voter base.
70th muktamar
PAS is holding its 70th Central Annual Muktamar from Sep. 11 to Sep. 15. Among the topics discussed were various ways to appeal to younger voters. With the Muktamar still underway, experts predict that the graft case involving Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Muhyiddin Yassin, might lead to calls for his replacement. Headed by Muhyiddin, PN is a coalition consisting of PAS, Malaysian United Indigenous Party, Malaysian People’s Movement Party, Sabah Progressive Party, and Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
Future implications
The proposal for inter-racial marriages as a political strategy highlights the lengths to which PAS is willing to go to broaden its appeal. This move could have significant implications for the party’s future, especially in terms of its relationship with non-Malay and non-Muslim communities. As the party continues to navigate its political landscape, the effectiveness and reception of such strategies will be closely watched.
