PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man defended his remarks that it is un-Islamic to declare assets and called for Muslims to avoid subscribing to just one interpretation of the scriptures.
“I have checked the authenticity of the hadith and although there are differing views among the ulama, they accept it as an authentic hadith,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby on Tuesday (July 2).
“We have to be more open and not only hold on to one view while we brush aside the opinion of other scholars who have accepted the ‘hadith’.
“There are many types of authentic ‘hadith’ and each place different sets of conditions. Some are rigid while others are laxed. So we cannot only accept one view,” he added.
The Kubang Kerian MP explained he is not totally against the declaration the assets, but explaining that he disagreed with the motion as it compelled not only lawmakers to do so but their family members as well.
“[In the previous government], the lawmakers had declared to their party leadership but it was not published to the public. When we make it public, we have to think of the risk towards the individuals involved.
“PAS agrees that party members should declare their assets to their own party leaders,” said Tuan Ibrahim.
He denied that PAS was using religion with regard to the issue and said the party only uses it as a guideline.
“PAS does not exploit religion. The hadith provides guidance. If we do not use the hadith as our guide, then what?
“We are not exploiting the hadith but what is important is that we act according to the hadith. We can’t possibly dispute what the Prophet (Muhammad) said and we should follow.”
The only issue, Tuan Ibrahim noted, was the manner in which it is being done.
“It is only a motion that does not require two-thirds majority votes.
“Why not make it a law instead of a motion?” he asked.
Tuan Ibrahim also defended PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, who is Kota Baru MP, who said that he would be the first not to declare his assets.
“He merely said that as a challenge as the motion has no force of law to compel MPs to declare their assets,” he added.
On Monday (July 1), Tuan Ibrahim claimed that Islam does not allow Muslims to publicly disclose their wealth as it could lead to security issues.
Meanwhile, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution pointed out that in 2015, Tuan Ibrahim had demanded then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor declare their assets.
“In 2015, Tuan Ibrahim challenged [former premier] Najib [Abdul Razak] and [his wife] Rosmah [Mansor] to declare their assets.
“So if in 2015, God did not ask [for assets to be declared], why did you [Tuan Ibrahim] challenge them to do so?” he asked.
According to The Malaysian Insight, Tuan Ibrahim said PAS backs any effort to combat graft, and given this, members are willing to disclose how much they are worth.
“We have a responsibility not just to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, but to Allah. We must make sure our earnings are halal and we are accountable for them in the hereafter.
“For PAS we don’t have a problem (with declaring assets) as this has been approved… We will follow the decision and declare our assets,” he was quoted as saying.
Dewan Rakyat passed a special motion on Monday (July 1) to compel all lawmakers to declare their assets, including those held by their spouses, children and trustees.
The motion by unanimous voice vote was passed after six hours of heated debates.
Opposition MPs voiced their disagreement over the motion and abstained from voting.
They argued that the asset declaration should be done by law and not through a motion in Parliament.
Earlier report: July 2, PAS’ Tuan Ibrahim Chided by Islamic Scholars for Abusing Hadith to Avoid Declaring Assets