Islamism in Malaysian Politics: The Splintering of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) and the Spread of Progressive Ideas

This paper argues that the splintering of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) was due to an internal ideological and political battle between conservatives and progressives in PAS. The battle between the two schools traces back to the early 1900s and the debate between the Kaum Muda and Kaum Tua. This paper focuses on the important events and past leaders that shaped PAS into a nationalist-conservative movement with an authoritarian leadership. In 2015, progressive PAS leaders left to form Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) as an alternative, ideologically different Islamist Party. The split prompted a growth of interest in Islamist progressive ideas beyond the realm of political parties, with more public discourses taking place at all layers of society, including amongst intellectuals and various organisations, such as civil societies and publication houses.