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KUALA LUMPUR – The charity performed by PAS members is not seasonal or limited to the election period, its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said in defending the party’s acts of charity.
The Marang MP pointed out that party members have been performing charity since before the party’s establishment in 1951.
In a statement today, he also said that ‘sedekah’ should not be characterised merely in the form of goods and property, but also includes knowledge, services, and advice.
“In the earlier stages before and after our establishment, PAS ulama have been providing free knowledge to the community, setting up public schools and huts, as well as teaching in mosques and surau."
Hadi said PAS MPs have continued to provide service to the rakyat despite being “ostracised” by the ruling government from the first general election in 1955.
“In fact, many PAS lawmakers have complained about being heavily in debt because of their service to society, regardless of who they are. This includes those not part of their constituencies.
“These debts could only be settled after they retired as MPs. This is proof of our constant service, which is not merely limited to election periods.”
Hadi said with a larger membership today comprising individuals of various backgrounds and skills, efforts to provide service to the rakyat have been expanded, even internationally.
The former government special envoy to the Middle East added that despite being ridiculed by constituents in government-held seats during flood-relief efforts, this has not stopped them from providing aid.
“It is not the time to play politics during a disaster. What’s more obligatory is to be human,” he said.
“Hence, the accusation that PAS has bribed voters during the election is too meagre for someone who does charity, compared with those who provide aid on a seasonal basis to achieve political goals.
“Many parties that have cooperated with PAS have seen how great our non-seasonal sacrifices are, without seeking anything in return.”
Hadi’s comments come amid allegations of vote buying by PAS during last November’s general election.
Three election petitions, including in the Marang constituency, have already been lodged alleging money politics. https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/82894/bn-challenges-hadi-awangs-marang-seat-alleges-vote-buying-in-ge15
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have also questioned 90 individuals in connection with cash handouts supposedly given to them by PAS as part of election campaigning. – The Vibes, February 6, 2023
