A DAP leader has criticised PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang for accusing the media of hyping a “handful” of immoral cases in religious and tahfiz schools.
In a statement on Thursday (May 30), Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questioned if the Islamist party had allowed such crimes to go unreported when it was part of the previous administration.
“Hadi blaming the media for hyping up reports on religious leaders who commit crimes is unfair, given that majority of media outlets in the country are only carrying out their duties as the fourth estate to disseminate verified information to the people,” he stressed.
“Furthermore, the media’s exposure of a crime can stop more people, especially children, from becoming victims.”
On Tuesday, Hadi claimed that the media is being used to tarnish Islam’s image by hyping up the weaknesses of those of the faith when they are accused of a crime or immoral act.
The Marang MP alleged that the media will intentionally highlight stories about things happening in religious and tahfiz schools involving an ustaz, imam or any religious figures including those donning skullcaps and jubah.
“It’s like just because one buffalo is covered in mud, the entire herd gets the blame.
“But when those who are non-religious and lack religious understanding commit a sin, it gets covered up and even defended. They serve the devil’s army,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Lim went on to question if PAS had attempted to control or stop the media from reporting the “bitter truth” when the party was part of the previous federal administration for 33 months.
“Did Hadi and PAS protect and allow those perpetrators, regardless of their religious standing, to carry on with their criminal activities?” he asked. – May 30, 2024
