GIVING to charity has been a consistent practice for PAS leaders and members since the party’s formation in 1951, president Abdul Hadi Awang said today.

He also said the party’s acts of charity were not limited to election season only, because many of its lawmakers and clerics provide free services to the public regularly.

“We even have PAS lawmakers who have complained that they are in heavy debt because of the services they provide. They help everyone, regardless of whether they are constituents.

“The debts are only cleared after they retire. This proves that PAS lawmakers constantly help people and not just during election seasons,” he said after the party was criticised for handing out cash during the last general election.

He said it was not vote buying but merely an act of charity.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has since launched an investigation, identifying 90 people it wanted to interview.

Speaking further, Hadi said that PAS has a large membership base and many groups have worked with PAS in various situations without remuneration.

“Now, our reach is international. (We can provide aid during) natural disasters and wars,” he said.

“This is the result of our upbringing, which does not separate our worldly matters from that of our religion and prepares us for the hereafter,” the Marang MP said. – February 6, 2023.