PAS’ decision to launch a “derma jihad” (jihad donation drive) to assist Kepala Batas MP Siti Mastura Muhammad in paying her defamation suit damages has been criticised as an attempt to make slander permissible.

Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the move is also seen as a strategy by PAS to sensationalise the issue and garner public sympathy.

“PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin said there is nothing wrong with...