Are PAS politicians now condoning the theft of water?

Last January, many Malaysians were furious at the claim of PAS president Hadi Awang that exchanging money for votes during an election campaign was not offering people a bribe. Instead, he claimed that this was an act of charity.

On April 8, PAS MP for Rantau Panjang, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, uploaded photos on her Facebook page of herself watching water being taken from a fire hydrant.

This angered many Malaysians who accused her of stealing water.

Most of us understand theft to be the physical removal of another person’s property or services for which that person’s permission or consent has not been sought.

Many Malays are probably confused and bewildered with the actions of these PAS politicians. Do these MPs not realize that whatever they do will be watched by the young who will then wrongly assume that taking what is not theirs is perfectly alright?

What Islamic teaching says that stealing and corruption are not against the law?

Unfortunately, both Siti Zailah and Hadi make poor role models.

What happened to moral values and knowing the difference between right and wrong?

She denied allegations that she was “stealing” water from the fire hydrant for distribution to residents of the area.

She claimed that the suggestion to use water from the hydrant had come from Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB).

Although Siti Zailah claimed to have successfully sought permission from AKSB and the fire services to supply water to the villages that needed it, Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department director Zainal Madasin has denied this. He said Siti Zailah had not sought permission.

So, who is telling the truth? The PAS MP or the Fire and Rescue Department director?

Why does Siti Zailah not put the issue to rest by showing us the letter of consent from the fire chief?

Days earlier, Minister of Local Government Development Nga Kor Ming said Siti Zailah was being investigated for allegedly taking water from the fire hydrant.

What Islamic teaching says that stealing and corruption are not against the law? Both Siti Zailah and Hadi Awang have unfortunately made poor role models.

There are many considerations which PAS MPs may have ignored.

If they condone the alleged theft of water today, what illegal act will they or others who emulate them be doing tomorrow?

Will people think it is alright to steal electricity, or take money from the bank, or take without permission someone else’s property?

Stealing is wrong and nothing Siti Zailah says, be it her supposed charity or easing a burden, can ever justify theft.

Her constituency members should have questioned her about taking water form the hydrant. Not everything an MP does is correct.

PAS MPs should focus on sorting out the water problems in the state.

The party has ruled Kelantan for over 30 years but has been unable to resolve the chocolate-colored water coming out from the pipes and other issues related to water supply.

If PAS is clueless about finding a solution, then they should not be given a chance to form the next  state government.

The people of Kelantan should give another party the chance to solve this perennial problem without having to resort to stealing water from the fire hydrant.

Does Siti Zailah not realize that stealing or taking unauthorized firefighter’s water is an offense under Section 26 of the Fire Services Act 1988?

Anyone who wants to take water from the hydrant must obtain written permission from the fire service.

The PAS MP claimed that a volunteer team from the Rantau Panjang parliamentary service center assisted until 4 am to help with the demands of people in need of water.

They have violated the laws of the Fire Services Act 1988. They should be fined and imprisoned.

So, will they be charged alongside Siti Zailah?

How will the Malays learn about law and justice? Over time, other people will start to break other laws and Kelantan may end up like a lawless place or where people take the laws into their own hands.

If people arbitrarily steal water from the hydrant, what happens in the event of a fire incident? The firefighters may find water pressure issues or other water-related problems. In the end, more people will end up suffering if the fire is unable to be put out.

The Kelantanese should learn to vote for and elect more competent individuals to represent them in parliament. Their MPs should have principles and integrity.

As an MP, Siti Zailah brought down the dignity of the Malays and Muslims, and brought shame to the other MPs.

As an MP, Siti Zailah should uphold the law. MPs make the laws of the land but she appears to be breaking them!

Had an ordinary man stolen the water, the police would have swiftly arrested him and taken him to court to face the allegations.

It is about time that PAS politicians learn about responsibilities and accountability.

Sources:

1. Malaysiakini: MP claims hydrant used with permission, Kelantan fire chief says otherwise
2. Malaysiakini: Rantau Panjang MP under probe for misuse of fire hydrant
3. Malaysiakini: Water from fire hydrant to avoid traffic, protect lives – PAS MP

(Mariam Mokhtar is a Freelance Writer.)