How the progressives lost PAS

SINCE its formation, PAS has been the most obvious party for anyone with interest in political Islam. In the 1970s and 1980s, more progressive activists joined in. They played important roles to remove PAS’ nationalist fourth president Datuk Mohammad Asri Muda and also helped cement kepimpinan ulama (leadership of the ulama) into the party ideologically and structurally.

But throughout their involvement in PAS, the progressives never orga­nised themselves into a distinct group, preferring to work within the established party structure instead.