The Ulama Leadership Model of the Islamic Party of Malaysia(PAS): Perspectives of Key Leaders

Key leaders within PAS believe in the necessity of ulama (religious scholars) leadership to maintain the party's alignment with Islamic principles.Interviews with selected PAS leaders reveal their conviction that this approach is essential to protect PAS' core values and to prevent deviation from its Islamic mission. There are dissenting voices, some arguing that the existing Majlis Syura Ulama suffices in ensuring that PAS continues with its vision and providing religious guidance to members.This was also the idea held by the "professional" faction led by Mohamad Sabu before it left PAS in 2015. The party's exclusivist ulama leadership can create tensions among ordinary Malaysians; between those uncomfortable with religious leadership in politics and conservative Malays, potentially limiting PAS's acceptance beyond its traditional Malay Muslim base.If PAS continues with its present trajectory, it cannot capture Putrajaya alone without the help of partners within and outside of Perikatan Nasional (PN). Alternatively, PAS can explore an inclusivist ulama leadership, which can ensure the party's appeal across Malaysia by promoting inter-ethnic harmony.It has a history of doing so, at least when the late Nik Aziz Nik Mat was PAS mursyidul am (spiritual guide).To mitigate sociopolitical tensions and enhance its national appeal, the party might explore a hybrid approach that does not necessarily require an ulama leadership model for the president but one where the leaders work closely with the Majlis Syura Ulama.