PARTI Amanah Negara (Amanah) has called on PAS to publicly apologise and take firm disciplinary action against its Information Chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, following public backlash over a cartoon post widely condemned as insulting to Malaysia’s top leadership and neighbouring countries Thailand and Cambodia.
The cartoon, which Ahmad Fadhli posted on social media, was criticised for likening a regional peace negotiation effort to a farcical conflict over bananas between a goat and a sheep – a depiction Amanah described as offensive and unbecoming of a national leader.
Mohd Fitri Asmuni, Director of Amanah Perak’s Legal Bureau, said that the Pasir Mas MP’s silence and lack of remorse thus far is troubling, especially given the widespread criticism from Malaysians across political and social divides.
“What’s more puzzling is PAS’s own silence. The party has issued no official statement despite mounting public outrage,” he said in a statement shared on Facebook on Wednesday.
He added, “His comparison of a serious conflict between two neighbouring countries to a dispute over bananas by a goat and sheep is clearly a form of provocation and an open, uncivil insult. Not only is it insensitive, but it also tarnishes Malaysia’s image as ASEAN Chair and a neutral peace-broker.”
Mohd Fitri warned that PAS’s silence could be construed as implicit approval of Ahmad Fadhli’s actions.
“As a party that claims to uphold Islamic values, PAS should take a clear stand. If the party truly disagrees with such conduct, it must immediately issue a public apology to the governments of Thailand and Cambodia on behalf of Malaysians, and relieve Ahmad Fadhli of his duties as Information Chief,” he said.
“Failing which, it suggests PAS is shielding a leader who lacks both ethics and morality – at the expense of fostering good diplomatic ties with our neighbours.”
On Tuesday, Ahmad Fadhli said he had no intention of apologising for posting the caricature, which was perceived as mocking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role in facilitating peace talks between Cambodia and Thailand.
He added that he would cooperate fully with police investigations following multiple reports lodged over the matter. - July 30, 2025
