The categorical denial by the United States Embassy has placed the burden of proof squarely on PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
Hadi did not merely claim that American diplomats asked PAS about Malaysian politics. He alleged that United States representatives offered PAS assistance to topple the Najib-led Barisan Nasional government in 2014.
This is a serious allegation of attempted foreign interference against Malaysia’s elected government. It cannot be treated as a casual story told at the PAS muktamar.
However, the account given by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan does not confirm Hadi’s central allegation.
Takiyuddin confirmed attending the meeting, but said the embassy representative asked whether PAS had any plans to bring down the BN government. He did not confirm that the United States offered PAS money, resources, political support or any other form of assistance.
A question is not an offer. Hadi must explain this material difference between his account and Takiyuddin’s account.
Hadi also named Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and former PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali as people connected to the meetings. All three should state clearly whether an explicit offer was made by the United States.
If such an offer was made, Hadi must disclose the date of the meeting, the identity and position of the American official involved, the exact assistance offered and any invitation, correspondence, meeting notes or other records supporting his allegation.
Hadi must also disclose whether PAS reported this alleged attempt to the police, Wisma Putra or the Najib administration in 2014. If a report was made, he should produce it. If no report was made, he must explain why PAS remained silent for 12 years over an alleged attempt by a foreign power to topple Malaysia’s government.
If Hadi has evidence, he should produce it and lodge a formal report for investigation. If he has no evidence, he must withdraw the false allegation and apologise.
PAS cannot repeatedly accuse its political opponents of serving foreign interests while exempting its own president from the same standard of proof.