PAS's decision to launch a "donation drive" to raise funds for Kepala Batas MP Siti Mastura Muhammad to settle a hefty RM825,000 defamation suit has sparked political and public debate. While the party claims it is trying to avoid the financial and resource burden of a by-election, this move enables irresponsibility and undermines the principles of accountability and justice.
The defamation case stems from deceptive remarks ~ either deliberate or due to ignorance ~ Mastura made during the Kemaman by-election campaign in 2023. The case revolved around her claims that linked DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng to Chin Peng (the late leader of the Communist Party of Malaya) and "Lim" Kuan Yew (falsely referred to Singapore’s former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew as "Lim Kuan Yew), and Teresa Kok as cousin of Lim Guan Eng's wife. The George Town High Court ruled against Mastura, ordering her to pay RM750,000 in damages and RM75,000 in costs.
Penang PAS Information Chief Fawwaz Jan, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP, explained that the donation drive aims to avoid the higher costs associated with holding a by-election, as reported by Berita Harian.
If Mastura fails to pay the RM825,000 judgment, she could face bankruptcy proceedings, which would lead to her disqualification as an MP and trigger a by-election in Kepala Batas.
“We understand that if the fine is not settled, a bankruptcy notice will be issued against Mastura,” Fawwaz stated. “To prevent her from being declared bankrupt and losing her parliamentary seat ~ necessitating a by-election, which would involve significant expenses ~ we decided to raise funds to pay the fine. Our goal is simply to avoid a by-election that would consume substantial resources.”
Instead of allowing Mastura to face the legal and ethical consequences of her actions, PAS has decided to shoulder the financial burden collectively. PAS secretary-general Dato' Seri Takiyuddin Hassan justified this decision, stating that Mastura was merely fulfilling her responsibility as a party leader. As a result, party members, branches, and state chapters are required to contribute substantial amounts, turning a personal liability into a collective obligation.
This approach raises significant questions about the values PAS promotes. Accountability is a cornerstone of integrity in public life, and individuals in positions of influence and political power must accept the consequences of their words and actions. By bailing out Mastura, PAS sends a troubling message: that political allegiance outweighs personal responsibility.
Moreover, using a donation drive to settle a legal penalty erodes public trust. It trivializes the court's ruling and turns a serious matter of defamation into a financial transaction. The principle behind punitive damages is not vengeance but discipline ie. to deter irresponsible behavior and promote a culture of truth.
While PAS may argue that avoiding a by-election saves resources, the cost to its credibility may be far greater. This incident emphasizes the importance of fostering a political culture that values truth, accountability, and justice over expediency. The collective effort to protect Mastura may shield her from immediate consequences, but it also perpetuates a dangerous precedent that risks eroding democratic justice and principles in Malaysia.
By: Kpost
Information Source: Fmt , BeritaHarian
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