Pathways of Becoming Political Party Activists: The Experience of Malay-Muslim Grassroots Party Activists

Abstract

Abstract: Whilst the recent electoral performance of Parti Islam seMalaysia
(PAS) and Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu (UMNO) in Terengganu
has generated much interest, there are lack of studies over the involvement
and motivations of the most committed party players; the grassroots
party activists. PAS and UMNO are strongly supported by committed and
extraordinary party members at the grassroots level who devote their time,
money, effort, and energy to ensure the party they support wins elections and
remains relevant. Unlike other professions, they are working for the party on a
full-time basis yet receive no specific income from the party. Their uniqueness
has directed this study to examine the factors which influence them to become
political party activists. This study interviewed thirty-two party activists who
were selected using the purposive sampling technique, and the data was then
thematically analyzed through the content analysis method. Combining the
Civic Voluntarism Model and the General Incentives Model into a framework
to understand factors that motivate informants’ political party activism. This
study discovered five major factors which include the ideology of the party,
religious beliefs, defending ethnic supremacy, parental influence, significant
political events and educational institutions. This study also academically
defies the common perception that party activists enjoy material rewards by
virtue of their party activism.