GEORGE TOWN, June 3 — DAP today reprimanded PAS members for accusing the former of interfering in the Islamist party’s polls, and challenged them to back up the allegations with evidence.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who has steadfastly refused to comment on the ongoing PAS Muktamar or annual congress, also accused critics of his party of hypocrisy for their unsubstantiated claims.

“Don’t slander us, coming from PAS, they always said slander is a big sin, so show proof if they keep on saying that (DAP interfered with their party elections),” he said when asked to comment on accusations by the Pakatan Rakyat partner that DAP is interfering in the PAS polls.

Lim added that if issuing statements were considered interference, then Umno and other parties that did so would be similarly guilty of interfering in the muktamar.

Earlier today, PAS ulama acting chief Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamad accused DAP of meddling with the Islamist party’s internal polls this week by announcing that it will reconsider its position in PR after the muktamar.

He accused DAP of using this to signal delegates to choose a new PAS who are supportive of DAP’s actions.

“They will never blame themselves... if they say we interfere, then show proof,” Lim said.

DAP has cut ties with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, but not the Islamist party, after the latter tabled a private member’s Bill in Parliament to remove legal obstacles that prevent the implementation of hudud in Kelantan.

Abdul Hadi then reportedly said PAS is ready to sever ties with the DAP for excluding the Islamist party and PKR from its proposed shadow Cabinet.

Lim then responded by stating that, if the need arises and should PAS withdraw from the PR pact, DAP would still be able operate as usual.