PAS imposes gag order after 'dedak cartel' issue

PETALING JAYA: PAS has imposed a gag order on its members to stop discussing or debating issues related to party matters across all media platform.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the gag order took effect immediately.

"PAS forbids discussions and debates in print and electronic media, as well as on social media and all forms of external broadcast that are not through the party channel.

"Those who defy the order will be facing the disciplinary committee," he said.

PAS' order came in the wake of fresh allegations of existence of "dedak (money politics) cartel" in the party brought up by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang's son-in-law, Zaharudin Muhammad.

"Any views, opinion, suggestion and even criticism should be forwarded through party channels at various levels.

"This is part of the party discipline, where freedom of speech is assured while at the same time, we control and protect the confidentiality within the organisation," Takiyuddin said in a statement.

PAS reminded its members that it would be deemed a disciplinary offence if their actions undermined the interest of the Islamist party.

"It is an offence if members do not abide and obey party orders based on the party's constitution, rules and regulations," he said.