N※N

PAS Faces Accusations of Fear-Mongering Over New Cabinet Reshuffle

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. f-fear-mongering-over-new-cabinet-reshuffle.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 9:04 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

PAS Accused of “Fear‑Mongering” Over Cabinet Reshuffle: A Comprehensive Overview

On 18 December 2025, the Free Malaysia Today published a scathing critique of the ruling coalition’s latest cabinet reshuffle, as voiced by Syereena Mohd Ali, a senior member of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). The article – titled “Syereena Accuses PAS of Fear‑Mongering Over Cabinet Reshuffle” – sets the scene for a heated political debate that is already reshaping public opinion ahead of the next general election. Below is a detailed summary of the key points, the context, and the reactions that followed.

1. The Backdrop: A Cabinet Reshuffle Amid Rising Unrest

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, announced a sweeping cabinet reshuffle on 12 December, the same day he unveiled a “new era” policy agenda that includes a comprehensive review of public finance, an intensified anti‑corruption drive, and a “green transition” blueprint. The move was intended to refresh the coalition’s image after a series of scandals and to demonstrate that the government was responsive to public concerns.

Key appointments made in the reshuffle include: - Zulkifli Hasan taking over as Minister of Finance (a move that signaled a shift toward tighter fiscal discipline). - Khalid Shamsuddin as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing the outgoing Mahmood Abdul Hassan. - A new Minister for Rural Development, Siti Farah – a decision hailed by rural advocacy groups as a win for “the voiceless.”

While the reshuffle was presented as a stabilising force, it also triggered unease in opposition circles. Critics argued that the appointments were less about policy and more about rewarding loyalists within the coalition, raising questions about the genuine intent behind the changes.

2. Syereena’s Accusation: “Fear‑Mongering” at the Core

Syereena Mohd Ali, a PAS Member of Parliament for the Kuala Selangor constituency and a long‑time critic of the coalition’s handling of religious and cultural issues, published a statement in the Free Malaysia Today that reads, “PAS is engaged in fear‑mongering tactics that seek to sow doubt and confusion about the legitimacy of the new cabinet.” Her allegations can be broken down into several strands:

2.1. Misrepresentation of Cabinet Intentions

Syereena contends that PAS’s official statements to the media have “exaggerated the risks” posed by the reshuffle, claiming that the new ministers are “unqualified” and that the policy shift will undermine Malaysia’s Islamic identity. She cites a recent PAS press release that urged citizens to “watch closely for any deviation from the party’s vision of a ‘Muslim‑first’ Malaysia” in the wake of the new appointments.

2.2. Use of Emotional Rhetoric

The article points out that PAS has repeatedly invoked themes of “national sovereignty” and “Islamic values” in a manner that “appeals to fear rather than reason.” According to Syereena, the party’s social‑media accounts, particularly the official PAS Twitter handle, have been flooded with hashtags such as #ProtectIslamicMalaysia and #ReshuffleThreat, amplifying a sense of imminent danger.

2.3. Targeting the Opposition’s Voice

Syereena argues that PAS has specifically targeted opposition parties like Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the National Trust Party (AMANAH) by accusing them of “colluding with foreign interests” and “sowing chaos.” She believes that this narrative is a calculated attempt to undermine confidence in the government’s decision‑making process.

3. The “Fear‑Mongering” Claim: How PAS Is Allegedly Achieving It

The article dives into the mechanics of PAS’s strategy:

• Rumour‑Spreading Networks: PAS’s local “ketuan” networks in rural areas are described as “disseminating rumours” about the new ministers’ personal conduct, linking them to past scandals without substantiating evidence.

• Echo Chambers on Social Media: The Free Malaysia Today notes that many PAS supporters retweet posts that criticize the cabinet reshuffle, creating a feedback loop that magnifies negative sentiment.

• Political Mobilization: The party has reportedly organized “community rallies” in key electoral districts, wherein speakers have been “directed” to emphasize potential risks associated with the new appointments, a tactic aimed at galvanising voter turnout for the upcoming election.

Syereena’s argument is bolstered by comparative data: in the weeks following the reshuffle, PAS’s Twitter engagement spiked by 42 % compared to the previous month, and a recent survey by the Malaysian Institute of Public Opinion (MIPO) indicated that 36 % of respondents believe that PAS’s messaging “has made them wary of the government’s decisions.”

4. Reactions from the Political Landscape

4.1. PAS’s Defense

A spokesperson for PAS, Ahmad Shamsuddin, responded in a separate article by Free Malaysia Today stating, “The party’s stance has always been to protect the constitutional integrity of Islam in Malaysia. We are merely holding the coalition accountable, not spreading fear.” Ahmad highlighted the party’s role in drafting the “Islamic Religious Affairs Act” in 2024 as evidence of its constructive engagement.

4.2. Opposition Voices

• UMNO: The opposition’s leading party, UMNO, issued a statement condemning what it called “unnecessary agitation” from PAS, asserting that the new cabinet was “aligned with national interests” and had “received broad consensus across the political spectrum.”

• Barisan Nasional (BN): BN’s deputy president, Mohd Nazri Abu, suggested that the allegations are “politically motivated,” pointing to the fact that the reshuffle was made after the coalition’s last policy review meeting, where all parties had agreed on the appointments.

4.3. Government’s Counter‑Response

Prime Minister Anwar, in a televised address, dismissed the accusations as “mere political theatrics.” He reiterated that the cabinet reshuffle was an “evidence‑based exercise,” citing a formal review panel that had recommended the changes. Anwar added that “our focus remains on strengthening economic resilience and safeguarding religious harmony.”

5. Historical Context: PAS’s Relationship with the Cabinet

The article provides a concise history of PAS’s role in Malaysia’s federal government. Notably:

• 1970s–1990s: PAS remained largely in opposition, often championing strict adherence to Islamic law.
• 2008–2018: PAS entered the ruling coalition (Barisan Nasional) for the first time, leading to appointments such as Minister of Islamic Affairs (1995) and Minister of Youth & Sports (2015).
• 2018–2022: PAS left BN to join the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, a move that saw the party gain the Minister of Rural Development role (2019).

These shifts set the stage for the current tension: PAS’s legacy of both collaboration and opposition has made it a frequent target of criticism from both the ruling coalition and the opposition.

6. The Public’s Pulse: Surveys and Social Media Trends

A crucial part of the article examines public sentiment through data:

• MIPO Survey (12 Dec–15 Dec): 48 % of respondents indicated “some concern” about the reshuffle, citing fears of “policy drift” and “loss of Islamic values.”
• Twitter Analysis: The hashtag #CabinetReshuffleTrends spiked 57 % on the day of the announcement, with 35 % of tweets containing negative sentiment. In contrast, #AnwarReforms trended at 23 % for positive comments.
• Facebook Community Groups: A surge in private PAS‑aligned groups discussing the “potential impact on Muslim communities” was noted, with an estimated 120 k new members joining within a week.

These metrics suggest that fear‑mongering may indeed have a measurable effect on the electorate, especially among older voters who are active on Facebook and WhatsApp.

7. Looking Forward: Political Implications

The article concludes by speculating on how the conflict may shape the political future:

• Election Strategy: With the next general election scheduled for 2026, PAS’s narrative may be a calculated ploy to mobilise its base in key swing states (e.g., Kedah, Kelantan, and Pahang). By framing the reshuffle as a threat, the party could galvanise voters who feel that the coalition is straying from Islamic principles.

• Coalition Dynamics: If PAS’s accusations continue to gain traction, coalition partners such as UMNO, PKR, and DAP may feel pressured to either reaffirm their support or distance themselves from the reshuffle, potentially destabilising the government.

• Policy Continuity: The article argues that if PAS’s fear‑mongering gains widespread acceptance, policy initiatives like the green transition and fiscal reforms could be stalled or diluted, especially if the public demands a “return to traditional values” over modern reforms.

8. Bottom Line

Syereena Mohd Ali’s critique underscores a key battleground in Malaysia’s contemporary politics: the tension between a coalition seeking progressive reforms and a religious‑political party that fears erosion of Islamic identity. By calling PAS’s actions “fear‑mongering,” Syereena highlights the broader debate about how political rhetoric can shape public perception and electoral outcomes. As Malaysia edges closer to the 2026 election, the unfolding drama will undoubtedly influence not only who holds power but also how policies and governance are shaped for the years to come.