Official status of Islam ‘a political move’

A Utar professor says the clause 'Islam as a official religion' was added later to pacify a radical faction with Umno.

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KLANG: The recognition of Islam as official religion in the Federal Constitution was a political move as the Reid Commission has never intended to do so, said Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) professor Chin Chong Foh.

Speaking to some 500 people at a debate themed “Hudud law: Divert attention or potential threat” in Wisma Teng Chin, here last night, Chin said the five-member Reid Commission formed in 1956 was not in favour of recognising Islam as the official religion in a multiracial country.

To prove his case, he produced a Sin Chew Daily report dated Feb 21, 1957, in which the commission said that Islam was not stipulated as the official religion and Malay privileges would be reviewed after 15 years.

“The reason why it was added in later was that there was ethnic tension; some radical Malays within Umno had asked for the new country not to grant citizenship to the non-Malays.

“So in order to compromise, MCA agreed for Umno to put Islam as the official religion in return for citizenship for non-Malays,” he said.

The debate was organised by Radio Bangsar Utama, where DAP’s Hew Kuan Yew took on MCA Youth publicity chief Kow Cheong Wei.

PAS member Kamal Koh and Chin were speakers at the debate.

In a reply to a question about Islamisation in Malaysia from the moderator Tang Ah Chai, Chin pointed out that an amendment was made in the 1988 to make Syariah Court’s verdict untouchable.

He said prior to that, Syariah Court was always deemed as secondary legal avenue as its verdict could be challenged through the civil court.

“In 1988, the amendment made to Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution was passed in Parliament with two-thirds majority.

“Umno MPs didn’t oppose the bill, neither did MCA. On the other hand, most of the DAP MPs were in Kamunting [detained under the Internal Security Act],” he said, drawing a round of booing from the audience.

Chin said while it might be hard to implement hudud law now due to the inadequate number of Muslim MPs in Parliament, it may not be the case in the next 40 years.

“Come 2050, Muslim population will definitely surpass 80% and Muslims will definitely be the majority in Parliament,” he said.

Hence, he said it would be best if non-Muslims can look into the issue rationally and engage in discussions with the Muslims.