Many remain doubtful that the religious rights of non-Muslims will not be affected by the proposed Syariah-related bills, according to Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng.
This came after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad assured that the bills, including the Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) and the bill to restrict the propagation of non-Islamic religions, only focus on Muslims.
“Malaysians remain unconvinced with Idris' assurances in Parliament yesterday that the religious rights of freedom of non-Muslims will not be affected by the proposed Act 355 and the bill to restrict the propagation of non-Islamic religions.
“Since PAS decided to break away from the late PAS leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat's politics of moderation, tolerance and respect for non-Muslims, the party had adopted a policy of hostility towards non-Muslims,” Lim (above) said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Idris said the proposed bill was not aimed to restrict religious freedom among non-Muslims.
He added that non-Muslims were free to propagate their faiths among themselves but not among Muslims.
Idris said this during question time in response to Fong Kui Lun (Harapan-Bukit Bintang) who requested clarification on the need for such laws and whether they will restrict the religious rights of non-Muslims as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Lim deemed this justification to be similar to controversial Muslim preacher Syakir Nasoha whose sermon went viral on social media for allegedly insulting non-Muslims and other races.
“For Idris to claim that this proposed new legislation will only be enforced on Muslims, such as the bill to restrict the propagation of non-Islamic religions, reminds us of the justification by religious extremist preacher Syakir, spreading lies against non-Muslims, that his insulting and derogatory remarks against non-Muslims, were meant only for Muslims,” he added.
What is govt's stance?
The former finance minister questioned if these proposed laws contravene the Federal Constitution, calling on de facto Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to clarify the government’s stance on the matter.
“Where are the assurances from Wan Junaidi who earlier denied the government intends to propose these laws?
“Wan Junaidi should clarify, especially when the Sabah and Sarawak governments have openly declared their opposition towards PAS' proposals,” Lim added.
On Sept 7, Wan Junaidi said a number of proposed Syariah legislation, including the Restriction on the Propagation of Non-Muslim Religions Bill, had yet to be brought to the cabinet.
He added that if these proposed laws were to be brought to Parliament, they must first be consented to by all states.
The proposed Control and Restriction on the Propagation of Non-Muslim Religions Bill was raised after the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled on the usage of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, who is from PAS, announced that several proposed Syariah laws were still in the pipeline under the new government.
The laws were proposed under the previous Muhyiddin Yassin government including the Wakaf Bill, Mufti Bill and Syariah Court Bill.
Marzuk added that several other legislations, such as Act 355, will be amended under a five-year plan (2020-2025). - Mkini
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