Ku Li: Constitution first, not hudud

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah reply to media at the launching of Malay and Chinese Calture and Art at Museum of Asia Arts , University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur on August 11, 2016.

VETERAN MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (pic) spoke to Sinar Harian on a number of topics including the Private Member’s Bill by Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang of PAS to amend a Syariah criminal law.

Q: What is your view on the Private Member’s Bill?

A: I have taken an oath as an MP to uphold the Constitution. The Constitution was formulated after taking into consideration all views, memorandum, and petitions before it was ratified. We also have the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay Rulers who have agreed to the constitutional monarchy system. So we must follow what the Constitution says.

Some have interpreted that if we don’t follow what is being tabled in Parliament, we are not true Muslims.

I don’t know lah. My question is what about Muslims who did not follow it prior to this?

This law is being put forward by man. Even in Parliament, the Constitution was created by man. But (they say) it is God’s law.

Q: Sounds like you won’t be voting for the Bill?

A: (I) can support or not support it. I am a Muslim and will die as a Muslim. My tongue is not deformed; it has never changed. Whether or not I will be supporting it depends on whether what I mentioned has taken place - whether it contradicts the Constitution or not. If it is tabled without going through the Conference of Rulers, it has violated the powers of the Rulers. Then it is not valid. How can I support if it is not in accordance to the Constitution?

This is not about the party. The party can instruct me, but I can refuse to follow. Because my priority is the oath I made to uphold the Constitution. Every MP took the same oath.

Q: Will Barisan Nasional stay in power or the Opposition would win the next general election?

A: I am not a soothsayer. If Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia is able to forge alliance with DAP, PAS and the rest, there will be straight fights. They could win in one-on-one fights. There is a possibility.

However, don’t underestimate the ruling government because they are in power.