YOURSAY | ‘You have done yourself a great disservice by reporting as truth mere suspicions.’

‘RM90m from Najib’ claim is nothing but a rumour, says S'gor PAS

Victor Johan: We all know that Sarawak Report always comes out with some preliminary statements, and some 'very concerned' individuals will start running around helter-skelter, denying whatever is stated.

Then Sarawak Report will later publish the evidence, with details and charts. So, Selangor PAS commissioner Iskandar Abdul Samad, it may be too premature for you to say this claim was made based on “widespread suspicion”.

You and your colleagues should have got your president Abdul Hadi Awang to speak up and deny this claim.

Doraisamy: Yes, I agree with Iskandar that it's a rumour and it's merely to tarnish PAS' name. PAS must take legal action to sue Sarawak Report until it comes out with its substantiation of the claim.

RM2.6 Billion Turkey Haram: Reports from Sarawak Report so far are true. The 1MDB scandal was precisely reported, and PM Najib Razak was sent running for cover each time the topic popped up.

So, by extension, its report on that Najib had wooed PAS with RM90 million has a high probability of being true. Also Hadi's relationship with Najib is extraordinary, as far as a leader of an opposition party is concerned.

Bluemountains: In Malaysian politics, perception is all that matters. It is up to the leaders to prove the allegations wrong. You are guilty until proven otherwise.       

Maxit: Nowadays, it is hard to believe any politician. How to determine if they are telling the truth? The ordinary man in the street (myself included) has lost trust in our leaders.

It is all about money these days. All the talk about religious piety, integrity, etc, seems so hollow.

I wish a leader who is not connected to any of the present political or religious groups, would rise to lead this nation.

Anonymous 2429071470289103: That's why we need to get confirmation regarding any information we receive before making conclusions.

We need to get explanations from both sides. Don't believe everything blindly.

‘RM90 million for PAS’ claim a widespread suspicion, says S’wak Report

Odin Tajué: You can relax, Sarawak Report editor Clare Rewcastle Brown. Those of we who have a decent enough command of English know that you have not charged the PAS of having received RM90 million from Malaysian Official 1 (MO1).

Those who misinterpret your text can shout themselves hoarse and foam at the mouth for all we care, for their opinion is worth less than half a pound of tuppenny rice.

They are most welcome to sue you for defamation. And should that happen, pop the weasel will go for them.

Behsaikong: Yes, the aggrieved party should bring a legal suit to clear their good name. There should not be any hesitation to do so.

No profession of innocence in the press nor other public cries of indignation will help. Let there be a definitive legal process where both sides of the argument will have their say.

Anonymous #19098644: By publishing a report based on hearsay without hard evidence where previously it was always based on proper documentation by Sarawak Report, it only serves to undermine its credibility.

Until and unless there is real evidence, much as we can only suspect the motives of PAS and however much we dislike their policies, this allegation is untenable.

I will, like most fair thinking people, wait for the evidence in this case.

Waktamnoko: Sarawak Report should base their reports on facts and not on mere suspicions? Why are they so quick to quote “widespread suspicion” when suspicion should not be the basis on which to base their reports?

Otherwise it will only lend credence to Umno's accusation that Sarawak Report is just an ally of the opposition.

Vijay47: Rewcastle-Brown, you have done yourself a great disservice by reporting as truth mere suspicions, however widespread they are.

You have seriously damaged the one powerful asset you had to your name and advantage, your credibility.

Do you need to be reminded that a respectable reliable news portal should have no business reporting on allegations that cannot be substantiated despite the fact that it makes for a delectable dish?

Your only mitigating act in relation to this particular news item is that you immediately explained the "true" position and thereby lessened your misdeed, though it cannot be said to fully absolve, despite the fact that one day, the veracity of your report could be proven.

Your supporters, especially in Malaysia, would feel extremely let down. Your only consolation is perhaps that action cannot be taken against you since you acted on assumptions. Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar will testify to this.

Not Convinced: Sarawak Report, with great power comes great responsibility. Please exercise it prudently.

Tok Karut: “Widespread suspicion” is an innuendo. Contextually. So don’t be so dramatic, Rewcastle-Brown.

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