PAS, as a political party with the sole purpose of upholding Islam, will not be pawns or be involved with "medicine seller-style politics".

In a statement today, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang appears to reaffirm that the party was independent and would not resort to populism.

He said PAS will survive as long as it followed the Islamic path, unlike its splinter parties which had either perished or are on their last few breaths.

"The present generation in PAS are continuing (the prophet's) struggle. Don't forget the past generations who clung on (to the struggle) with only one seat in Parliament in 1951 and again in 1986.

"We have lost seats and control of states. We have worked with the federal government and engaged in cooperations with other parties," said Hadi.

Citing various passages of the Quran and Islamic scholars, Hadi stressed that the scriptures and thought leaders had taught Muslims to remain faithful and steadfast while applying wisdom in making decisions.

"PAS does not hide that it is with Islam. We are strong and will not be pawns of the political puppet masters or be products of the political medicine sellers," he said.

Hadi's message could be directed at dissidents who are unhappy with the party's warming ties with BN and antagonism towards the main opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan.

PAS is expected to participate in the next general election without a firm pact with other main opposition parties or BN, setting the stage for multi-cornered fights.

Some analysts and observers have pointed out that PAS' raison d'être was to pursue an Islamic agenda and would do whatever necessary to position itself in order to influence policy, instead of winning elections.