PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has been challenged to provide evidence for his claim that the United States (US) offered to help the party topple the Malaysian government in 2014.
DAP Kuala Lumpur secretary Lim Lip Eng said the allegation was serious and could not be substantiated simply through applause at a PAS general assembly.
He also questioned whether PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had informed Malaysian authorities about the alleged offer at the time.
“I demand a clear answer. If a report was made, state when it was made and to whom.
“If not, why was an incident allegedly involving such a serious matter 12 years ago never reported?” he said in a statement today.
Lim said Abdul Hadi had made the allegation and should now produce evidence to support it, adding that the country’s sovereignty should not be used as a political talking point.
The remarks came after the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur denied allegations that Washington had sought to interfere in determining Malaysia’s political leadership, describing claims to that effect as false.
Abdul Hadi had previously claimed that a representative of the US Embassy asked him about PAS’ proposed candidate for prime minister during a meeting at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the meeting took place when PAS was part of Pakatan Rakyat and around the time of then-US president Barack Obama’s visit to Malaysia.
According to Abdul Hadi, the question was raised after Ahmad Samsuri and Takiyuddin had earlier met the US ambassador.
He claimed the two PAS leaders were not swayed after being told about the possibility of bringing down the government and taking over the administration, as well as an alleged offer from the US to assist with the effort.
Lim also called on police to record statements from the three PAS leaders and identify the alleged US representative who supposedly made the offer.
He said police should investigate whether Section 124B of the Penal Code could apply if there had been a plan to overthrow the parliamentary democracy through force or unconstitutional means.
He added that Sections 118 and 120 should also be examined if anyone had deliberately concealed a criminal plan to facilitate its execution, or knew that such concealment could assist the alleged offence.
Lim said Sections 176 and 202 should likewise be considered if there was information that was legally required to be disclosed but was deliberately withheld.
“Police must announce whether an investigation has been opened against Abdul Hadi and the other parties involved, as well as the legal provisions being applied.
“If there are no grounds for an investigation or further action, explain why,” he said.
