‘RUU355 must get non-Muslim MPs’ approval too’

Non-Muslim lawmakers have no right to reject Islamic principles as they have a responsibility to uphold such values for the sake of their Muslim electorates, says PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Non-Muslim lawmakers “cannot sacrifice” the rights of their Muslim electorates they represent and assured that the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act or RUU355 was only applicable to Muslims.

“Non-Muslims should not be worried on the implications as not one non-Muslim has been convicted under RUU355 since it was implemented in 1965,” the Marang MP said during the debate on his motion.

He said the option to adopt the proposed amendments to RUU355 was the prerogative of the Islamic affairs authority of the respective states.

He stressed that even those who committed wildlife offences by rearing certain species of birds could be fined RM50,000, but a Muslim who spread deviant teachings was only fined RM5,000.

“Is this the price of a Muslim’s faith? An irresponsible and philandering Muslim husband who leaves his wife and children without paying alimony, is only fined RM5,000 if he is convicted at the Syariah court,” he said.

Earlier, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia’s decision to defer the Bill to the next Parliament meeting drew loud protests from the Opposition MPs who felt that they were denied an opportunity to debate it.

Kota Baru PAS MP Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan was the sole MP given a chance to speak in support of the Bill.

Puchong DAP MP Gobind Singh Deo said the Speaker’s move tarnished the Parliament’s credibility.

Asked whether PAS would get the support from the Umno Muslim lawmakers, Takiyuddin said the matter was about Muslim unity.