KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): Opposition lawmakers continue to take the Unity Government to task over its claims of fighting corruption following last week's unexpected "discharge not amounting to an acquittal" (DNAA) order granted to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on graft charges relating to the misappropriation of funds belonging to a charitable organisation set up by him.

During the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (12MP MTR) debate session in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, in alluding to the DNAA granted to Zahid earlier in the month, said that corruption and leakages of government funds are not a priority of the Unity Government.

“Corruption needs to be dealt with seriously; Islam strongly opposes corruption. A bribe’s recipients and those who administer it are both condemned,” he said.

Abdul Hadi, who is also the Marang member of Parliament, continued that under Islam, an individual cannot be discharged of their charges without being acquitted as well.

“There are only two courts in Islam - the court in this life and the hereafter. Even if a person escapes [punishment] from the court of life, they will not escape the hereafter.

“There is no discharge without being acquitted, that does not exist [under Islam]. Those with faith are willing to be punished in this world, and won’t want to face it in the afterlife,” he said.

Earlier this month, Zahid was granted a DNAA by the High Court, after the prosecution said it wanted to discontinue proceedings pertaining to all 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, graft and money laundering against him in the Yayasan Akalbudi trial.

If I am found to be seditious, jail me

Touching on his own legal issues related to his statements allegedly disputing the authority of the Pardons Board - an institution whose members are appointed by royalty - Hadi said he is ready to be punished if found guilty and noted that he would rather face time behind bars in lieu of being fined.

He said that many police reports have been lodged against him for disputing the authority of the Pardon’s Board, but he has been cooperative with the police in providing his statements.

“I’m waiting to face trial in court; I’m ready to be punished [if found guilty]; I don’t know if its jail or a fine.

“[But if I am to be punished], I’d rather be jailed. If its a fine, give it to Pasti (Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam),” he said.

It was previously reported that Hadi is being investigated for sedition over statements he made about the Pardons Board during a talk in Muar, Johor, back in August.

He is alleged to have claimed that the manner in which Malaysia grants pardons to offenders is not in accordance with Islamic teachings. 

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