Non-Muslims opposing Hadi’s bill are ignorant, says PAS supporters’ wing

A representative from the supporters’ wing of Islamist party PAS believes that non-Muslims who are against PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s bill are simply ignorant.

PAS supporters’ wing information chief Dr Balachandran G Krishnan, in his speech at the pre-ceramah of the ‘Act 355’ rally, is of the opinion that strengthening the syariah court should not be an issue for Malaysians.

“The problem is when there are Muslim lawmakers who do not support the bill and ‘munafik’ (hypocritical) Muslims who are against it - these are the problems that have made things difficult,” said the practising Hindu at the event held in Gombak last night.

As a result, non-Muslims have become confused, he contended.

“But I am not confused because I was taught by the PAS leadership, which is different than others,” he said to shouts of ‘Allahuakbar’ (God is Great) from the crowd.

“Non-Muslims who do not support the bill is not a problem because they are ignorant,” he said.

Therefore, Balachandran said, it was important for Muslims to be united in championing Islam.

“Muslims must go to this group which opposes (the bill) with love and continue to give explanations to make them realise that it is the responsibility of Muslims to devote themselves to Allah,” he added.

'All because of lack of understanding'

PAS information chief Nasrudin Hassan, who moderated last night’s event, concurred that opposition to the bill has been due to lack of understanding.

The Act 355 rally, organised by PAS and 10 other NGOs, will kick off at 2pm today and is expected to continue until 11pm.

The gathering is in support of the Private Member's Bill brought by Hadi to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, better known as Act 355, which will enable the syariah courts to impose stiffer punishment on offenders.

Hadi had tabled a motion in the Dewan Rakyat in November last year to seek the approval of the House to table the Private Member's Bill, but requested that the detailed explanation on the motion be made at the next Parliament sitting.

Yesterday, Hadi said that more than 200,000 people were expected to attend the gathering, including non-Muslims who supported the bill.

The gathering will have several activities, such as a question-and-answer session with the speakers and speeches from NGO and government representatives, as well as from Hadi himself.- Mkini