Kuala Lampur, July 20 -- Malaysian politics has always been shaped by coalitions rather than by any single political party acting alone.

Since the watershed election of 2008, PAS has occupied a pivotal position in determining whether opposition forces could unite sufficiently to challenge the long-standing dominance of Barisan Nasional or whether political fragmentation would once again favour the incumbent.

The elections of 2008, 2013, 2018 and, in a different configuration, 2022 demonstrate that PAS has often held the balance between cooperation and division.

Its strategic choices have influenced not only electoral outcomes but also the broader stability of Malaysia's political system.

In 2008, PAS worked closely with PKR and DAP un...