Representing the Federal Territories PAS Youth wing, Subhan Djupri told the PAS muktamar here today the party must shed the perception that it is rigid or only for the religious elite.
He proposed setting up a dedicated online content team under PAS Youth to produce modern and attractive Islamic online content.
“PAS is often seen as the ‘mosque group’, exclusive to the pious. Many also view what we bring as narrow and not suited to the modern era.
“Short videos, preaching memes, animations and brief capsules suited for TikTok and IG Reels (must be produced). We need to capture the algorithm,” he said.
Subhan said PAS should present Islam as a religion of justice, integrity and progress, and the party must be known to be for everyone, especially for today’s youth.
“PAS is not a party for the elite. It is for the people, gamers, riders, campus students, urban workers and others,” he said.
He called for the party to embrace digital engagement as a core part of its strategy, saying youths are more inclined to seek information through digital platforms.
Digital media would also help reach what he identified as politically disengaged urban “commuters” and “dormant citizens”.
“These commuters come to the city just to work, while dormant citizens go home straight after work and rarely mix with neighbours. They’re detached from community, mosque, and NGO life.
“We need to reach them via digital media with light, flexible programmes and a practical Islamic narrative that offers solutions to the cost of living, affordable housing, and work stress,” he said.
Subhan said young voters are not anti-Islam, but frustrated by poor messaging, and the lack of real solutions.
“They’re not rejecting Islam, but are misunderstood. Our delivery is weak, and they don’t see practical solutions.
“The answer is to build a fresh narrative, offer realistic solutions, lead by example, and use digital platforms to show Islam as a blessing.
“Victory for Islam in the future will not happen without the support of the youths. Our task is to win the hearts of Gen Z in the cities,” he said.