Despite its image as an Islamic party, PAS admits that its ongoing election process is tainted with smear campaigns. In fact, it said, this is not something new.

 

Election committee chairperson Asmuni Awi said the existence of such campaign practices in party elections is no longer a secret.

 

Even so, Asmuni does not discount the possibility that smear campaigns are the work of outsiders trying to interfere in the PAS election.

 

“The practice of negatively labelling opponents has been around for a long time. Not only in this election. In other elections too.

 

“Some individuals are labelled as liberal, opposing hudud, this and that. It happens,” Asmuni ( left ) told Malaysiakini .

 

On Monday, former PAS vice-president Ahmad Awang admitted that it is tough for him to challenge incumbent president Abdul Hadi Awang for the post despite having the minimum two nominations required to contest.

 

Ahmad, who once headed the Malaysian Ulama Association, claimed this is because the ongoing PAS election is tainted and lopsided.

 

Among those who have apparently fallen victim to smear campaigns is former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin, who has lost the race for Kampar division chief.

 

Elections for the party’s central posts will be held in June.

 

Claims ring true

 

Asmuni said there is some truth in Ahmad’s claim.

 

He said other victims of smear campaigns include Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin, Kuala Krai MP Hatta Ramli and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.

 

Khalid has been accused of trying to topple the party’s ulama leadership.

 

Asmuni said the committee will conduct a thorough probe to stamp out such practices, and take stern action if such dirty tactics can be proven.

 

“Party members involved will face the disciplinary committee. Candidates involved will be disqualified,” he said.

 

Asmuni said the circulation of flyers, such as the one maligning Nizar as a “DAP stooge”, is something that should not take place, especially in PAS.

 

“If some people are not happy about something, they can debate it openly or explain their case.

 

“Don’t spread poison pamphlets. This is not the Islamic way,” he added.