KUALA LUMPUR: RM90 million is "too cheap" to buy Pas, said its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
Once again denying allegations that the Islamist party had received RM90 million from Umno, Hadi said Pas supporters would not pawn themselves for mere rank and position.
"Regardless of the accusations hurled against us, Pas members and its leaders still believe in the rewards promised by Allah onto which we hold.
"This is unlike those who have ideology and not faith, or those who put faith as an external decoration without caring about rewards and sins.
"We thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for making an open statement that Pas did not ask for any position in the government, unlike other parties, but accept any form of responsibility or position entrusted to us," he said in his Minda Presiden Pas column today.
He said Pas would have taken control of the country if it had RM90 million in its coffers and would even have destroyed Pakatan Harapan if the party indeed had access to the funds.
Hadi said if the RM90 million was actually given to Pas by Umno, the latter would be "very stupid" for doing something that could potentially kill them.
"And if the RM90 million really existed, Pas could easily destroy PH who have more money to spend on social media to spread lies without faith and principles due to the diversity of their members.
"Pas also cannot organise social media (tools) to respond because it would be too costly, let alone to propagate slander, lies and deceit. Even RM90 million multiplied cannot pay for the sins committed," he added.
Hadi said Pas strived to gain power to prevent evil whether through actions or through words, adding that Pas members who were loyal and religious could not be silenced by Umno through money.
"Pas did not budge even though its state administration in Kelantan was denied petroleum royalties and billions of ringgit were taken in Terengganu.
"Pas did not bow down and surrender. Therefore, it would be too cheap to buy Pas with RM90 million."
Pas, added Hadi, was different from other types of "mercenary parties" and leaders who felt indebted to those who donate to the point of being used, or being willing to sell off the dignity of religion, race and the country.
He also said if Pas actually had money, the party would ensure the funds would be carefully spent, and if it had received the alleged RM90 million in funds, it would have been invested and brought returns of more than RM900 million.
"Before listening to any fairy tale that Pas received RM90 million, (know that we) have enough with donations from Pas members, the majority of whom aren't rich.
"There are only a few who are wealthy and who have donated and even that, it did not reach more than RM1 million."
Hadi said Pas was able to contest in the elections nationwide thanks to the donations from its members, including farmers, fishermen and unskilled labourers.
On Sept 9, it was reported that DAP's Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Rashid filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) against Hadi for alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.
The report was made after DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng urged Hadi to explain a RM1.4 million settlement with Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle Brown in a defamation suit Hadi had brought against her.
Yesterday, Hadi said the integrity of Pas leaders remained intact despite the allegations hurled at him.