PAS and its party of leaders are so entertaining. Words from the mouths of their leaders, who project themselves as pious and even promise a way to heaven, change with the wind. The latest that fell victim is none other than our prime minister, who asked whether PAS was supporting him after a signed document of support that appeared to carry no weight.

Other Pakatan Harapan leaders should have known about the word-worthiness of PAS leaders. Leaders of the then Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had their share of frustration and confusion. PAS’ delegates to PR leadership council meetings, often led by then deputy president Mohamad Sabu and secretary-general Mustafa Ali because Abdul Hadi Awang wanted to be absent in almost all the meetings. Mohamad words carried no weight too. Imagine the long faces of many when days later Hadi made contradictory statements to what had previously been agreed at the PR council.

Unfortunately, the only one seemed to be wise, who thought that PAS leaders could never be trusted, is now gone – the late Karpal Singh.

The case of Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz’s audio recording claiming to receive money from Umno produced so many circuses. Under pressure after the case with Clare Rewcastle-Brown was settled out of court, Hadi admitted that Nik Abduh had spoken about receiving Umno money “in an academic sense”.

Following that, Nik Abduh had to finally admit that his president and other PAS leaders gave their blessings for his denial of the Umno money.

Prior to the out of court settlement, Nik Abduh had vehemently denied it was his voice in the audio recording.

Discerning Hadi’s “academic sense” with lying is perplexing. To the common understanding, academic sense can only mean seeking truth with all honesty. In academia, truthfulness, sincerely, integrity has to prevail. Cheating, lying and plagiarism has no place in academia and will be scorned upon.

The circus was raised a notch higher when PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin said, “telling it the other way round” did not amount to lying. Takiyuddin should have known of the common saying “beating around the bush” is understood to be an attempt to lie.

Then their spiritual leader, Hashim Jasin, said that slander against their party forced Nik Abduh to lie. But how could a slander, a falsehood, fought with another lie? Any good parent would ask a child to tell the truth if the child has been wronged.

When all else failed, raise the Israeli bogeyman. Hence, the accusations of Israel funding DAP to counter the RM90 million funding from Umno. The Israeli bogeyman has been an ingenious counter attack weapon of last resort, without having to think. It often worked, at least for those who read only the Harakah. Given a choice, Israel, a sworn enemy of our country would prefer to fund PAS to see the party survive long enough so that it could bring destruction from within.

A lie told too often reinforces it. And so, PAS leaders believed what they have said, even though contradiction after contradiction ensued. Their minds have become fogged with all their self-contradictions within oneself and among themselves. A small delegation led by Hadi had met and expressed support in writing to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Meanwhile conduct of PAS leaders and members at the Semenyih by-election does not conform to that promise of support and gave the game away.

Now, even the good prime minister himself does not believe the words of Hadi. His words change with the wind. The circus continues. – February 28, 2019.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.