The PAS member, who reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine following his arrest, had voiced hope that four DAP MPs would “perish” for failing to organise a back-to-school campaign in their constituencies.

However, the Sarawak chapter of the Islamist party said the individual had merely asked DAP representatives to be more responsible and to go down to the ground to carry out their duties.

It also referred to video comments made by a DAP member in Sabah several months ago which it said had insulted PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

“Several police reports were lodged but so far, the individual has not been prosecuted.

“We do not want any double standards in dealing with such cases,” Sarawak PAS commissioner Jofri Jaraiee said in a statement.

“The same action should be taken against any individual who makes a defamatory or malicious statement towards any politician from any level, regardless of whether the individual is from the government or an opposition party.”

The Sarawak PAS member was detained following a report lodged by an assistant to Lanang MP Alice Lau. He is being investigated under Section 223 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 507 of the Penal Code, although he is currently free on police bail.

Jofri also refuted reports that the individual was a manager of a tahfiz school, saying he only assisted the management.

“He is also not a Sarawak PAS leader, as reported in the media, and does not hold any posts at any level of Sarawak PAS.

“He is just an ordinary member expressing his personal views on DAP representatives who have not performed their duties in his area.”