PAS has launched a “jihad donation drive” to help its Kepala Batas MP, Siti Mastura Muhammad, pay a staggering RM825,000 in damages and costs after losing a defamation suit to several DAP leaders.
The case stemmed from Mastura’s baseless allegations linking Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, and Teresa Kok to Chin Peng, the late Communist Party of Malaya leader. Now, PAS members are being asked to collectively foot the bill, with contributions ranging from RM500 for branches to RM20,000 for state chapters.
But the real question is this: Why are ordinary members paying for the "sins" of their leaders?
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, PAS’ secretary-general, claims Mastura’s remarks were made in her capacity as a PAS leader, not out of personal malice. But does that justify transferring the financial burden onto party members?
If Mastura had spoken the truth or based her accusations on solid evidence, she wouldn't be in this mess. Instead, her statements were deemed defamatory by the courts—a stark reminder that fitnah, or slander, is a grave sin in Islam.
PAS frequently portrays itself as the moral compass of Malaysian politics, but this episode exposes a troubling double standard. What lessons is the party teaching its members? That leaders can act recklessly and still rely on grassroots supporters to clean up the fallout? Islam emphasises personal accountability, yet PAS seems to be sending the opposite message by absolving its leaders of responsibility and framing their legal troubles as a collective "jihad."
This case also raises deeper questions about PAS’ political strategy. Using Chin Peng—a polarising historical figure—as a campaign tool might rally certain bases, but it alienates others. For non-Malay voters, this saga reinforces negative perceptions of PAS as a party unwilling to engage in constructive, inclusive politics. If PAS truly aspires to lead a multiracial Malaysia, relying on divisive narratives and then asking members to pay the price is a surefire way to repel moderate and non-Malay voters.
For a party that frequently claims the moral high ground, PAS must reflect on whether its actions align with its principles. Defamation is not jihad, and slander is not leadership. If PAS wants to convince Malaysians—regardless of race—that it is capable of governing with integrity, it must start by holding its leaders accountable. After all, charity begins at home, not in the courtroom.
Abdul Rahim Md Noor is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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