"I'd Rather Go To Jail Than Pay Fines" – Hadi
He reportedly criticised the Pardons Board, a body linked to the royal institution, last month.
Cover image via PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said he would rather go to jail than to pay a fine if he is found guilty of disputing the authority of the Pardons Board, a body linked to the royal institution
Hadi made the statement during his debate speech of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review in Dewan Rakyat today, 13 September, reported New Straits Times.
The Marang member of parliament (MP) said the money would be better utilised to fund Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI) rather than paying fines.
"Many police reports have been lodged against me (on the Pardons Board statement) and I have no problem in providing my statements when being called.
"For this reason, I am also waiting for the trial in court and I will wait for whether I will be punished (jailed) or need to pay any fines.
"However, I'd rather go to jail rather than pay fines, as (the money) could be channelled to PASTI," said Hadi in the august house.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang in the parliament today, 13 September.
Image via New Straits Times
Hadi is currently facing backlash for questioning the power of the Pardons Board during a _ceramah_ at a PAS headquarters in Muar, Johor on 26 August
He claimed that the Pardons Board did not follow Islamic teachings while granting amnesty or pardons to prisoners.
Following that, the police met Hadi several times to obtain information about the speech he made, reported Free Malaysia Today.
The police then sent an investigation paper to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on 7 September.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay recommended to charge Hadi under Section 4 of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act, reported New Straits Times.
