Federal law overrides state’s , MCA tells Jais

MCA takes Jais to task over the raid and detention of a bride at a Hindu wedding.

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jais) should read the Federal Constitution because it has no enforcement authority against non-Muslims, MCA’s syariah law and policy implementation special task force deputy chairman Koo Chin Nam said today.

Koo said Jais should uphold the fundamental liberties enshined in the Federal Constitution under Schedule Nine over state laws.

He said any state enactment could not override the freedom of religion stated in Schedule Nine fo the Federal Constitution.

On Sunday, Jais stopped a Hindu wedding in Petaling Jaya and detained the 32-year-old bride.

Jais is investigating the case under the 1988 Enactment (Control of Propagation Among Muslims), which cites it as an offence to persuade, influence or incite any Muslim to change their faith.

A Jais official said the bride’s identity card identified her as a Muslim.

Koo also referred to Surah al-Baqarah verse 256 in the Quran in support of the bride. The verse states that there should be no compulsion in the matter of religion.

“Jais should reflect on this value especially in our multi-racial and multi-religious society.

“The authorities, be it state or federal, should respect the bride’s fundamental rights as enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

He added that all enforcement authorities must be rational and exercise common sense.

“Look at the case objectively for the good of the country, and the right of every citizen to worship based on the Federal Constitution,” said Koo.