DAP wants Pendang MP to repent for 'sinful' remarks on RM94m 'discovery'

• UPDATED 6.20PM | Added Rayer’s move to file motion to refer Awang to the Rights and Privileges Committee.

DAP wants Pendang MP Awang Hashim to apologise and repent for making defamatory statements regarding an alleged discovery of RM94 million in cash at the residence of a former minister from the party.

Party chairperson Lim Guan Eng said Awang was clearly making allegations against former human resources minister V Sivakumar.

“Pendang (Awang) has made a sinful (haram) statement. He should repent for this defamatory and false statement, as the MACC has firmly denied this defamatory statement, which is a sin.

“Therefore, we urge the Dewan Rakyat speaker to take strict action against the PAS leader over this statement, which is slanderous and false.

“Otherwise, Parliament will be dragged into the mud of slander, which I feel will not benefit the country,” Lim (above, centre) said at a press conference in Parliament today.

‘Not a raid’

Awang made the claim about the RM94 million while debating Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Though he did not name Sivakumar, the PAS lawmaker claimed the money was found during an MACC raid on a former minister’s house.

The MACC last year did pay a visit to Sivakumar’s residence as part of a corruption probe on the Human Resources Ministry but denied it was a raid.

The MACC last night also denied making any statements about RM94 million being found in a raid.

Attempt to ruin reputation

During the press conference today, Sivakumar said Awang’s statement was an attempt to tarnish his reputation as an MP.

“This accusation is baseless and a political slander aimed at damaging my integrity and dignity, as well as the party I represent.

“The MACC’s statement clarifying this matter is much appreciated,” the Batu Gajah MP said.

Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong also urged the PAS leadership to take a stance on Awang’s action after making the defamatory statement.

“We want to ask PAS - as a party, is this something they permit? I, too, have a religion, and my religion teaches us to be honest, and I believe all religions are similar in this regard.

“Thus, I would like to ask PAS, whose political struggle is based on Islam, if this is permissible in Islam. I want PAS to respond,” he said.

Rayer files motion

In an update, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer filed a motion today under Standing Orders 36(6) and 36(12) to refer Awang to the Rights and Privileges Committee for his remarks.

The regulations touch on making false statements against members of the house and making remarks that may confuse the house.

Yesterday, the DAP lawmaker gave Awang 24 hours to submit evidence after making the “irresponsible statement” on the RM94 million cash discovery claims.

Rayer had chided the PAS lawmaker for misusing parliamentary immunity - granted to MPs during debates in the Dewan Rakyat - to make wild allegations.

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