PAS, on the defensive over a failed suit, slammed an “ungrateful” Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of attacking the party because of its refusal to support him.
The PKR president has forgotten how PAS stood by him when he faced sodomy charges twice, said the Islamist party’s leaders.
Women’s wing vice-chief Salamiah Mohd Nor said the PAS grassroots see Anwar as desperate for making allegations against the party, and that they do not believe his claims.
“Anwar is ungrateful. The party previously backed him in his sodomy cases.
“PAS can bring up issues regarding Anwar’s personal life again. We can question the issues again, but we won’t do it.”
This week, Anwar accused PAS and its president, Abdul Hadi Awang, of paying off Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown to settle a defamation suit against the website.
Rewcastle-Brown confirmed that she received money from PAS, but the party denied making any payment.
Vice-president Iskandar Abdul Samad said Anwar has turned his back on PAS as revenge for the party obstructing his plans to become prime minister.
PAS recently threw its support behind Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.
“Actually, I could not be bothered by him (Anwar),” Iskandar told The Malaysian Insight.
“He is angry at PAS because it refuses to support him as prime minister and is supporting Dr Mahathir instead. That’s the only reason.”
Terengganu PAS Youth chief Kamaruzzaman Abdullah denied that Anwar’s allegations have caused a dent in grassroots support for the party.
Even though some members have questioned the claims, it does not mean they do not trust PAS, he said.
“It’s true that the grassroots have questioned (Anwar’s allegations), but it’s because they love the party.
“We were taught not to raise too many questions when some have already raised questions. It is not because they do not trust the party, but they just want confirmation.”
The grassroots are disappointed with Anwar for attacking PAS, said Kamaruzzaman, adding that the party’s leaders will explain to members to deny all such claims.
“We do admit our weakness in mastering cyberspace. We will improve on this.”
In a 2016 article, Sarawak Report alleged that PAS received RM90 million from Umno said to be from 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
Hadi sued Rewcastle-Brown for defamation over the piece and the parties reached an out-of-court settlement last month.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission then launched investigations into the whistle-blower site’s claims. So far, it has questioned a number of PAS leaders and frozen five bank accounts belonging to an individual and four foundations linked to the party.
MACC also seized three vehicles – a Toyota Vellfire, Range Rover and Mini Cooper – as well as a shoplot worth RM2 million.
PAS’ official accounts are not affected, with the anti-graft agency saying it has not found direct transactions between 1MDB and the party.
MACC believes the money was laundered before it was transferred to PAS leaders.
THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT
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