The website of PAS journal Harakah Daily has removed an article citing a former Umno figure who complained about khalwat (close proximity) taking place on the sidelines at the Umno annual assembly held every year.
According to Harakah Daily deputy editor Azmi Yusof, the article was removed upon realising that the source for the story was former Klang Puteri Umno division head Wan Ashima Kamaruddin and not from someone in PAS.
"We removed the article because it was an allegation by Wan Ashima and not by someone from PAS, as Harakah Daily is the party's organ.
"It was uploaded because we made a technical error in our news selection process," Azmi told Malaysiakini.
He added that Harakah Daily will not be offering Umno any apology.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Annuar Musa (photo) said Harakah Daily had "busuk hati" (bad intentions) by publishing such material.
Although Harakah Daily had retracted the article, Annuar said, the retraction itself had embarrassed the publication.
"They are embarrassing themselves. If they want to do news, there has to be quality," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly that is currently going on at the Putra World Trade Centre.
The article, published on Dec 4, had cited Wan Ashima's (photo) claim that many Umno general assembly participants engaged in khalwat when they met once a year.
She claimed to have knowledge of this, based on her 17 years of experience as an Umno member.
In view of this, Wan Ashima challenged the Federal Territories religious department (Jawi) to nab the offenders.
This allegation also drew condemnation from deputy minister in charge of religious affairs Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Asyraf said Wan Ashima must show proof or she will be guilty of slander.
The current Umno general assembly will conclude on Saturday.- Mkini
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