Malaysia's political landscape has experienced significant change in recent years, marked by the rise of Islamic-oriented parties.

Though it is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, rising public dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition's perceived liberal agenda poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's hold on power.

The opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN), or National Alliance, coalition — a five-party grouping that includes the Malaysian Islamic Party (Parti Islam Se Malaysia, or PAS) — has been gaining popularity and electoral ground over the past decade.

It achieved an astonishing electoral success in the 2023 state elections, winning 146 of the 245 contested seats, and forming governments in several states.

Those elections marked a significant turning point as they solidified PN's control in the northern and east coast states and demonstrated its growing influence, especially among younger and more conservative Malay voters.

In the states PAS governs, such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, it has been pushing for policies aligned with its conservative Islamic ideology, including efforts to implement hudud (Islamic criminal law), enforce stricter dress codes, and promote gender segregation in public spaces.

Some often call it the "green wave," reflecting a surge in support for conservative Islamic policies.

"Malaysia has always been a conservative society that practices liberal democracy. Islam is at the center of our national........

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