Analysts say sympathy over US-Israel strikes unlikely to reshape\nregional politics<\/p>\n
Islamist groups in Malaysia and Indonesia have expressed condolences\nover the reported death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while\ncondemning US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. Yet analysts say Tehran\u2019s\nlong-term influence in the region remains constrained.<\/p>\n
PAS and MUI Offer Condolences<\/p>\n
Malaysia\u2019s Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) was among the first in the\nregion to extend condolences, describing Khamenei\u2019s death as a major\nloss to the Muslim community. PAS leaders also condemned what they\ncalled US and Israeli aggression against Iran.<\/p>\n
Indonesia\u2019s Ulema Council (MUI) similarly conveyed its condolences,\npraying for Khamenei as a martyr. Both groups framed their statements\nwithin broader criticism of military action against Tehran.<\/p>\n
Ideological Links to 1979 Revolution<\/p>\n
PAS\u2019 leadership structure was historically influenced by Iran\u2019s 1979\nIslamic Revolution, including the creation of its Majlis Syura Ulama and\nthe role of spiritual leader, modelled after Iran\u2019s supreme leadership\nsystem.<\/p>\n
However, analysts note that while the revolution once inspired\nIslamic revivalist movements in the region, those ideological ties have\nweakened over time, especially among younger leaders.<\/p>\n
Waning Influence in Sunni-Majority Nations<\/p>\n
Malaysia and Indonesia are predominantly Sunni, while Iran is\nShi\u2019ite, placing them on different sides of a major theological divide.\nAnalysts say this sectarian difference has limited Tehran\u2019s sustained\npolitical influence.<\/p>\n
Political Islam expert Mohd Faizal Musa noted that only a small\nnumber of PAS leaders still view Iran as a guiding model, while newer\ngenerations show less interest in Iranian revolutionary ideals.<\/p>\n
Broader Political Responses<\/p>\n
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the US-Israel strike\nand later extended condolences over Khamenei\u2019s death. Coalition partners\nalso denounced the attack as unprovoked.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Turkey criticised the military operation, while the\nOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation expressed concern over escalating\nregional tensions, including Iran\u2019s missile launches targeting\nneighbouring states.<\/p>\n
Sympathy Without Strategic Shift<\/p>\n
Indonesian academic Yon Machmudi said Iran\u2019s revolution once inspired\nparts of Indonesia\u2019s Islamic revivalist movement but did not create\nlasting institutional ties due to sectarian differences.<\/p>\n
Observers suggest that while sympathy may grow amid perceptions of\ninjustice, it is unlikely to translate into deeper political alignment.\nFor now, expressions of solidarity appear largely symbolic rather than\nstrategic.<\/p>\n
The reactions from Southeast Asian Islamist groups underscore\nlingering emotional and ideological connections to Iran\u2019s revolutionary\nlegacy. Yet structural realities\u2014particularly sectarian divides and\ndomestic political priorities\u2014continue to limit Tehran\u2019s enduring\ninfluence in Malaysia and Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Sources: Straits Times (2026)<\/p>\n
Keywords: PAS Condolences Iran, MUI Statement Khamenei, Sunni Shiite\nDivide, Malaysia Political Islam, Indonesia Iran Relations<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/southeast-asian-islamist-groups-mourn-khamenei-but-irans-influence-remains-limited-1772427755", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }