MUKTAMAR | PAS can become a kingmaker and possibly even the next government in the next general election if its members remain loyal (wala') to the syura council and the party leadership, said a senior council member.

Syura council secretary Nik Muhammad Zawawi Nik Salleh said not being obedient, may hurt the party's leadership ability to formulate an election strategy.

"We are very confident, God willing, if we translate syariah knowledge to face the political wave, God willing, our party will be the kingmaker.

"(We can be) a party that is respected, that can stand tall and can decide the direction of this country or even become the government," Nik Muhammad Zawawi said at the 63rd muktamar in Alor Setar today.

PAS says it hopes to capture five states and 40 parliamentary seats in the 14th general election.

It says its strategy is to practice "mature politics".

Nik Muhammad Zawawi however said this plan, again, requires full obedience to the party's leadership to work.

Based on the party's posturing at the muktamar, PAS is looking to enter the next general poll as a third force.

Pundits say this will likely benefit the ruling BN coalition as it is expected to split opposition votes.

The Islamist party however has expressed confidence that it is a better choice than both BN and Pakatan Harapan.