A 2023 article by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang warning against the unity of “liars, thieves and robbers” has resurfaced as the Islamist party joins forces with UMNO in the Melaka state election, raising questions about the consistency of its political principles.
The article, titled When Liars, Thieves and Robbers Unite, was published in Hadi’s Minda Presiden column on Jan 17, 2023, weeks after the formation of the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which included the support of Barisan Nasional (BN).
At the time, Hadi’s remarks were widely interpreted as a criticism of the political arrangement, particularly BN’s decision to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) after the 15th General Election (GE15).
In the article, the Marang MP argued that an alliance involving those engaged in wrongdoing could not be justified simply by invoking unity.
“If groups of thieves unite, they will inevitably turn into a gang of robbers, more dangerous than thieves,” he wrote.
A different political equation
Hadi also questioned cooperation between groups that accumulated wealth through fraud, corruption and the unlawful appropriation of others’ property.
He argued that money obtained through such means could not be considered blessed, even if it was subsequently used for charitable purposes, including helping the poor or building mosques.
Although he did not identify any individual or political party by name, his remarks were understood as a challenge to the legitimacy of the unity government.
Now, nearly four years later, PAS is working alongside UMNO through an electoral arrangement involving Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN for the Melaka state election.
The two coalitions unveiled a joint manifesto on Nov 6, outlining 113 initiatives, in a clear demonstration of cooperation between parties that were previously political rivals.
The arrangement has brought Hadi’s earlier remarks back into focus, particularly over whether the principles he invoked in 2023 remain applicable when PAS enters into political cooperation with UMNO.
The question has become more pronounced following the latest development involving former Umno president and prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has been allowed to serve the remainder of his SRC International Sdn Bhd prison sentence under house arrest.
Najib and the RM50 million fine
Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest at his Langgak Duta residence until Aug 23, 2028.
The order followed the fulfilment of conditions attached to his partial royal pardon, including payment of a RM50 million fine.
Najib had been imprisoned since Aug 23, 2022, after being convicted on seven charges involving abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering over RM42 million in SRC International funds.
His move to house arrest does not overturn his convictions or erase his criminal liability. He remains subject to the sentence imposed by the court.
The development has also prompted comments from within PAS, with Central Working Committee member Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz describing efforts to raise funds to help Najib pay the RM50 million fine as an act worthy of reward under Islam.
Nik Abduh maintained that helping Najib meet the financial obligation did not amount to endorsing his wrongdoing, but was instead an expression of support for the royal pardon mechanism, which he said was recognised under Islamic principles.
His remarks have added to the scrutiny of PAS’ position on Najib, particularly when viewed against Hadi’s earlier warning about alliances involving parties associated with wrongdoing.
Hadi’s 2023 article had also attracted criticism from within PAS.
Former PAS Syura Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali had cautioned the party president against casually describing others as liars, thieves and robbers.
Khairuddin also urged PAS to examine weaknesses in its own governance and integrity before making accusations against political opponents to shape public perception.
With PAS now working alongside UMNO and some of its leaders expressing support for efforts to assist Najib, Hadi’s three-year-old article has acquired renewed political significance.
What was once a criticism of an opposing political arrangement is now being measured against the choices made by PAS itself. – November 11, 2026
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