PAS: Don't teach 'ilmu jahat' as teacher can land on receiving end

GE14 | The current Umno leadership is doing what was taught to them by their predecessors, according to PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad.

“It is not easy to forget bad habits taught in the past. This is why 'ilmu jahat' (evil ways) must not be taught because the teacher might be on the receiving end,” he said.

Though he did not mention names, it appeared to be an obvious reference to Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who ruled with an iron fist during his tenure and was accused of throwing dissidents behind bars.

Idris also responded to those who accused PAS of splitting the votes for Harapan with its decision to contest 160 seats together with its coalition partners in Gagasan Sejahtera in the coming general election.

The PAS leader fired a historical salvo at the critics.

“According to history, PAS was formed on Nov 24, 1951, DAP (March 18, 1966), PKR (April 4, 1999), Amanah (Sept 16, 2015) and Bersatu (Sept 8, 2016).

“Who came first?” he asked in a statement published in Harakah Online.

Idris said PAS has been battling Umno and BN in all the general elections, except in 1974 when the Islamist party was with BN.

“During this period, a large number of those leading Harapan (now) were 'berpeluk erat' (in a tight embrace) with Umno, 'memfaraid' (dividing) the wealth. Satiated, but still wanting more.

“When they did not receive what was requested, a new party was formed. They were used to eating meat, and when (they were forced to) eat dried 'sepat' (gourami) fish, they went amok,” he added.

However, Idris said while it is a democratic right to form a new party, he found it odd that PAS is accused of dividing the votes for Harapan when it is no longer part of the opposition coalition.

“What happened to the chants of freedom of expression and freedom of politics? Give PAS the opportunity to make democracy in this country more vibrant.

“To them (Harapan), it is compulsory that all must follow their instructions and strategies.Those who do not are considered traitors.

“If this is their character, then democracy will be destroyed if they rule the country. Even before coming to power, they have shown their colours,” he added. -Mkini