There was plenty of name-calling, but PAS took it all on the chin. The party, seeking an explanation for its severe loss of the popular vote, brought together 20 media representatives and political observers for a three-hour brainstorming session today.

Among the labels dished out were such descriptions as uppity, aggressive, strident, over-confident and lacking in public relations skills.

The session was chaired by PAS vice-president Mustafa Ali who said the feedback would be assessed for the party's post-election analysis report.

"We are not here to debate whether your views are right or wrong. We just want to hear what you have to say about the party and its leaders, and see how things can be improved so that we can fare better in future," he told participants.

A newspaper editor said PAS' mistake was that it had been too aggressive and strident in its election campaign.

Basing his evaluation on observations during several PAS ceramah (political talks), he said party leaders had been speaking like it was "still 1999" when the reformasi spirit was very strong.

"It was strange that PAS adopted such an aggressive stand when the sentiment has changed so much since 1999. You hoped that the sentiment would help you through this election. Maybe that was your mistake," he said.

He also said PAS leaders were wrong to have launched personal attacks against political opponents including Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was criticised by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for failing to lead prayers at his mother's funeral.

"The aggressive attitude and personal remarks deterred new voters who are more subdued today. Personally attacking someone like Abdullah who is neither aggressive nor confrontational may have been too much for Malaysians," he added.

Rigid attitudes

Malaysiakini columnist Fathi Aris Omar said PAS had failed to portray an image that appealed to the public, and that the rigid attitude of some of its ulama (religious scholars) had not helped either.

"The professionals in the party can be pragmatic, but their activities are restricted by the ulama. Some leaders issued strange policy statements that confused the public," he said.

He said PAS could not continue to blame the media for biased reporting, but should instead find effective ways to reach out to voters.

"In 1999, independent or pro-opposition publications mushroomed ... 66 percent of these were sold around Kuala Lumpur. But this did not happen (this time). PAS should have taken steps to address the situation," he said.

A Harakah journalist said PAS leaders have to learn to be more media-savvy and competent in responding to questions from the press.

"We all know that Barisan Nasional makes use of the print and broadcast media. PAS leaders must learn how to handle the media effectively as well," he said.

"For example, in preparing for a press conference, they should conduct a session on what questions to expect and how to answer them ... to reduce opportunities for (the press to) attack the party."

Substantive statements

Film producer and PAS activist Nasir Jani said PAS's failure to engage with youth with a strong interest in entertainment was among reasons why the party had fared badly.

"PAS lost out to TV3's Sure Heboh concert and Akademi Fantasia (a local version of American Idol). We could have provided the youth with alternative entertainment without having to compromise on Islamic principles," he said.

He said the conservative attitudes of some party leaders in relation to entertainment and cultural shows had worked against the party.

"Attempts to organise concerts, drama and cultural events were hampered by such trivial issues as whether clapping is permissible in Islam. This cropped up every time we tried to organise a cultural event," Nasir said.

"I have referred such matters to the leaders but did not get any response. They have yet to resolve even the question as to whether playing a guitar is allowed."

Another journalist pointed out that PAS must find ways to improve public confidence in its competence and ability to govern the country if voted into power.

"Although the people know that BN leaders are (allegedly) corrupt, they continue to vote for them. This is because they view the opposition as incompetent administrators," he said.

PAS leaders, he said, would have to carry out detailed research to feed into their talks and debates, to ensure that the issues have substance and are relevant to daily life.

"There was not much discussion on policy matters like defence, security, economy, taxation and so on. There needs to be more of such discussion," he said.

As for PAS' Islamic state agenda, he said party leaders had made a mistake by "telling people what an Islamic state is all about".

"They should instead have asked what people want to see in an Islamic state. This is where inter-religious discussion would have been useful to the party," he said.

"Whether you adopt their ideas or not, the important thing is that you would have provided them with an opportunity to present their views. For all we know, their ideas may not have been that far removed from PAS' concept."