Prominent blogger asks if DAP has the guts to stop the Mufti Bill

 

THE much-contested Mufti Bill has stirred significant debate in Malaysian political and social circles, particularly among groups advocating for religious and constitutional balance.

Prominent blogger Syed Outside the Box has raised a provocative argument, urging the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) to rally 40 Democratic Action Party (DAP) Members of Parliament (MPs) to oppose the bill.

The blogger says the Mufti Bill was initially championed by Perikatan Nasional leaders. The bill purportedly expands the influence and autonomy of state muftis in matters of religious administration.

Critics argue that the bill risks undermining Malaysia’s multireligious framework and the balance of powers between religious and civil authorities.

Concerns also arise over the potential for the bill to impact the non-Muslim population and the secular aspects of governance.

For many, the re-emergence of the bill under the current unity government, which includes the DAP, is troubling.

Syed posits that DAP, with its strong parliamentary representation, wields enough influence to halt the bill’s progress.

Syed’s blog post appeals to MCCBCHST and other concerned citizens to focus their advocacy on DAP MPs, highlighting their pivotal role in the government.

He argues that if the 40 DAP MPs vote against the Mufti Bill, the legislation can be stopped.

He challenges DAP to remain true to its principles, cautioning that any support for the bill would erode trust among its traditional supporters, including minority communities. —Focus Malaysia