Dakwaan ‘campur tangan AS’ Hadi berisiko jejas imej PN, kata penganalisis

Presiden PAS Abdul Hadi Awang has accused the US Embassy of interfering in Malaysia's politics in 2014 when former President Barack Obama visited the country. The Opposition coalition leader's statement does not appear to damage relations with Washington, according to analysts, but it could raise questions about the credibility of Perikatan Nasional (PN) as the "waiting government."

Asrul Hadi, Deputy President of The Asia Group, said PAS must support any serious allegations with solid evidence and more disciplined rhetoric if it wishes to position itself as a formidable alternative government. While Hadi's message is local in nature, its impact may extend to Malaysia's image, he said. "For an economy reliant on trade, maintaining investor confidence and constructive relations with key allies, including the US, is essential," he told FMT.

Singapore Institute of International Affairs Fellow Oh Ei Sun said Hadi's accusation might not taint Malaysia-US relations as Washington is "experienced" enough to distinguish between political rhetoric and foreign policy considerations. "The two-way relationship between Malaysia and the US has always been strong, with cooperation in trade, commerce, and security, and we play a vital role in the global supply chain for semiconductors and base metals," Oh added.

However, he said the accusation might not benefit Hadi politically as Malaysian voters generally do not dwell on foreign issues except those involving Palestine. But, Oh said, for foreign investors, the more concerning aspect is the possibility of PAS rule. This is based on feedback he received from investors who remain concerned about the implications of a PAS-led government for foreign investment.

James Chin from the University of Tasmania said any investigation into Hadi's accusation would not likely yield conclusive evidence, given that the former US diplomat is not involved in Malaysia anymore and the US also denies the allegation. "PAS supporters will believe Hadi regardless of what he says, as party members are highly loyal.

It will not affect PAS's reputation among its supporters," he said. The controversy followed Hadi's claim during PAS's 72nd convention in Kelantan that the party had received support from the US Embassy to topple the Barisan Nasional government in 2014 when former President Barack Obama was there. He said former Deputy Chief Secretary PAS Takiyuddin Hassan and Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who were political secretaries at the time, attended the meeting at the embassy.

However, they firmly denied the offer. The US Embassy denied Hadi's claim and emphasized that the US never sought to determine Malaysia's political leadership.