PAS’ controversial "donation drive" has sparked heated debate across political and religious circles in Malaysia.
The initiative aims to assist Kepala Batas MP Siti Mastura Muhammad in paying RM825,000 in defamation damages to several DAP leaders after losing a lawsuit. The case revolved around her claims that Lim Kit Siang is a cousin of "Lim" Kuan Yew, that the elder Lim and Lim Guan Eng are relatives of Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng, and that Teresa Kok is a cousin of Lim Guan Eng's wife.
Slander or Sympathy?
The move has been criticised as an attempt to legitimise slander. Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi openly condemned PAS for using religious rhetoric to justify actions he claims are ethically and morally questionable.
"By initiating this drive, PAS is essentially making slander permissible under the guise of aiding a fellow party member,” Puad said. He added that PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin’s defense of the campaign ~ stating that helping each other is part of PAS’s culture as an Islamic party ~ lacked any substantial religious justification.
Former PAS Ulama Council secretary Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali echoed these concerns which forbids aiding in sinful and hostile acts. He questioned how a political party could reconcile such actions with Islamic teachings.
Fundraising Details and By-Election Woes
PAS secretary-general Dato' Seri Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly issued a directive for party leaders and members to contribute to the fund, with specific targets set for branches and divisions.
The urgency stems from fears that Siti Mastura’s inability to pay could lead to her bankruptcy, disqualifying her as an MP and triggering a by-election.
The letter, which has circulated widely online, revealed that each PAS leader was expected to contribute RM500, while state divisions were tasked with raising a minimum of RM20,000 each.
A Growing Controversy
Critics argue that the “donation drive” campaign undermines the credibility of PAS as an Islamic political party. By prioritising political survival over accountability, the initiative has drawn sharp rebukes from both religious scholars and political opponents.
While PAS supporters defend the campaign as an act of solidarity, the broader public remains divided. Does this donation drive reflect a genuine effort to aid a party member in need, or is it a strategic move to normalise slander as a political tool?
As the debate intensifies, the question of whether religion is being misused for political gain looms large, casting a shadow over PAS’ claims of moral and ethical leadership.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
Malaysiakini , Fmt , TikTok/Bfm89.9 , Straits Times
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