Deepavali open houses by Hindu political leaders aligned to Perikatan Nasional were notable for the glaring absence of PAS leaders.

No one knows why for sure, but the most likely reason could be that it was a political strategy.

Many would wonder if PAS had missed a great opportunity to show that the party was serious about wooing the non-Malay votes as its leaders have preached.

But then again, PAS leaders must have thought that the party would risk losing Malay votes by being present at such events.

The open houses were held in the homes of Hindu leaders of Indian-based parties linked to Perikatan Nasional, or by others who are on the way to joining the opposition bandwagon, such as the MIC.

Among them were P Waytha Moorthy, the former Hindraf chief who now heads the Malaysian Advancement Party.

Former two-time prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Ali; Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and secretary-general Azmin Ali and other leaders from their party were seen at Waytha Moorthy’s house.

M Saravanan, the deputy head of MIC, a component party of Barisan Nasional that is part of the unity government, was seen welcoming opposition leaders Muhyiddin and Azmin with open arms to his house. The broad smiles and warmth displayed spoke volumes about MIC’s political direction.

And of course Saravanan and MIC chief SA Vigneswaran had also invited their Barisan Nasional friends like former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob, Khairy Jamaluddin, MCA chief Wee Ka Siong and investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz among others.

Saravanan even cut a special cake together with Najib Razak’s wife Rosmah Mansor, who was there with some of her family members.

Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had attended a Deepavali open house hosted by Gobind Singh Deo.

So, the noticeable absence of PAS leaders has raised questions regarding the underlying reasons.

Several factors could have contributed to this situation, with one major factor being political positioning, as PN has started wooing the non-Malay votes for the next general election due in two years.

PAS has historically maintained a cautious stance towards events that are predominantly associated with non-Muslim communities.

This could be part of a broader political strategy to reinforce its Islamic identity and appeal to its core voter base, which may view participation in such events as compromising their principles.

The party’s absence might reflect a desire to avoid any perception of endorsing or participating in celebrations that are not in line with their religious beliefs.

As for the Indian parties, the leaders must be thinking that voters will not be comfortable with seeing them rubbing shoulders openly with PAS leaders, who are at odds with multiculturalism, seen recently with their finger-pointing over alcoholic drinks.

A broader look at the statements by PAS leaders will show that they centre on mere tolerance of the practices of other faiths, especially when elections arrive. They don’t seem to have accepted the differences.

Unlike them, BN and PH seem to practice acceptance of the differences and the rights of non-Muslims.

In a Deepavali message issued by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, the party urged all Malaysians to harmonise the nation’s rich ethnic, religious and cultural diversity to make it a shared asset rather than a destructive poison.

Takiyuddin said Deepavali’s core message of light triumphing over darkness, and truth over falsehood, was one that could resonate with all Malaysians.

Well said, Takiyuddin. But honestly, some other PAS leaders continually harp on issues that touch on the rights of non-Muslims, thus negating Takiyuddin’s presumably pre-election stance. For this to be their official stand, all its leaders must show this in their actions which must be seen to be coming from their hearts.

Maybe the PAS non-Muslim wing should hold a Deepavali open house attended by its president Abdul Hadi Awang and other top leaders.

Maybe it should also be present at the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves in January.

This will convince Malaysians that PAS is trying to harmonise its rich ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as it declared in its Deepavali message.

Then again, there may be internal dynamics within PAS that influence attendance at such events.

This internal focus might lead to a reduced presence at multicultural celebrations like Deepavali, as the party prioritises political maneuvering over public engagement.

In other words, this obvious PAS move to stay away from the open houses of its allies is done to please its Muslim voters on one hand, with a conscious PN effort to avoid some non-Muslim voters from being uncomfortable with the courtship on the other.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.