PM lauds ruler's decree, says time is right to lower political heat

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who expressed regret that certain parties are politicising the recent Federal Court’s decision, welcomed Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree for all quarters to respect the decision and the Federal Constitution.

Anwar was referring to the apex court ruling nullifying 16 provisions of the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment, which he assured does not belittle the function of the Syariah Court.

The prime minister said the decree of the Selangor ruler, as chairperson of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), also came at the right time to reduce the rising political heat following the court’s decision on Feb 9.

According to Bernama, Anwar said he viewed the decree, which was made by the sultan when presiding over the 71st meeting of MKI in Putrajaya earlier today, as a firm statement in safeguarding the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

“The Chinese community may not feel the heat, but for the Malays and the Muslims, it (court’s decision) has turned into a very hot political issue, with insults being hurled at the judges, the government and so on,” Anwar said in his address at the Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

Prior to this, former Umno leader Khairy Jamaluddin also requested the rulers to step in, noting that the situation had become emotive and inflammatory.

Yesterday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang courted flak over his remarks on the decision, with an Amanah leader accusing him of insulting the judiciary and Federal Constitution.

This is after the veteran politician claimed that Islamic countries were losing their integrity for maintaining colonial laws despite achieving independence.

Meanwhile, Anwar said during the meeting which he also attended, Sultan Sarafuddin also decreed that as a nation of laws, Malaysia must adhere to its supreme law, the Federal Constitution.

“So, the Federal Court’s decision, according to His Royal Highness, must be respected as the Federal Court is subject to the supreme law and the spirit of the Constitution.

“There is no issue of belittling the position and function of Syariah Court,” he added.

Anwar said if there are any suggestions or new views on Syariah issues, they can be referred to the special committee to study issues related to the competencies of the state legislative assembly in enacting chaired by former chief justice Zaki Tun Azmi. - Mkini