Petroleum, Religion and the 1982 Terengganu State Election

The article, a narrative account of the 1982 Terengganu election, attempts to encapsulate the intertwining roles of petroleum and religion in the contest for power between the National Front (as represented by UMNO) and PAS (The Islamic Party of Malaysia). For the latter, the state was an enticing target, and its take-over promised great returns . For the former, it was a prized possession that needed to be defended at all costs. Given that Terengganu remains oil-rich and Islam is still a potent force in society, the future in all probability will witness a repeat performance between the two contending parties