KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 -- Taking a step back and letting Umno Youth spearhead the protest against the controversial socks with "Allah" printed on them may have benefitted Perikatan Nasional's (PN) components PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, several political observers suggested.

The analysts told Malay Mail that by taking an approach opposite to its strident norm, the Opposition has kept negative attention away from itself while at the same time putting the ball in the government's court.

"PAS and Bersatu are united in allowing the Umno Youth leader to make brave comments over many issues relating to KK Mart, Chinese village for Unesco heritage status, and on vernacular schools.

"Because what can be more powerful and lethal othe...