KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was being true to Barisan Nasional’s cardinal principle of consensus when he decided against the Government taking over the tabling of a Private Member’s Bill to empower the Syariah courts, said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
He said it was the right decision for Barisan as the Bill had caused uneasiness among component parties.
“We uphold the Federal Constitution and we want to keep this country peaceful, harmonious, progressive as well as secular,” said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Government would not be tabling PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act.
“We are absolutely against any attempt by any quarters to destroy or jeopardise the existing peace and stability. We are also determined to safeguard the Federal Constitution regarding fair treatment to everyone,” he said.
He said the Barisan government has a duty to ensure all races live in peace and not under any crisis or mutual suspicion.
MIC treasurer-general Datuk Seri S. Vell Paari said the Government’s decision proved that Barisan was professional in handling sensitive issues.
“This clearly demonstrates that in Barisan, all issues can be resolved via informed discussion and negotiations.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the president of MIC, MCA, Gerakan and all Sabah/Sarawak parties for standing firm in opposing RUU355,” he said.
In another development, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said Barisan lawmakers should not simply support Hadi’s Bill if it was not explained properly.
She said the Bill must be explained in detail, particularly on whether certain segments of society, like women and children, would be badly affected by it.
“As Barisan MPs, we will not simply agree or disagree, without knowing the details. If we have something like this in the future, we would like to be given more explanation.
“So far the Bill was not properly explained, so it had been portrayed as if it is a bad Bill,” said the Batang Sadong MP.
Did you find this article insightful?
