Part 8/16:

The state’s push towards islamization gained momentum in the 1980s under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who established the International Islamic University of Malaysia. This move aimed to inject Islamic values into the fabric of Malaysian life, including the creation of Islamic banks and religious bureaucracies, reinforcing the political dimension of Islam’s resurgence.

Political Islam and Power Dynamics

Political parties such as the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and the Pan-Islamic Party (PAS) have historically used Islam as a strategic tool in elections. PAS, in particular, has capitalized on Islamic populism, winning significant support by emphasizing Islamic principles and playing on Malay and Muslim identity.