PETALING JAYA: Various political parties have taken Beruas MP Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham to task over his proposal to include non-Muslim constitutional experts in the special committee to review the syariah law in the country.
Ngeh’s suggestion came after the government announced on Dec 5 that a special committee sanctioned by the Conference of Rulers has been formed to review the competency of the state legislative assemblies to draft syariah laws, following jurisdiction issues between the state and federal governments on the matter.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan slammed Ngeh for being “divisive and provocative” over his suggestion, adding that it is extremely insensitive and has the potential to sow disharmony among the people.
“For the umpteenth time, PAS has warned that such continued actions have the potential to trigger long-lasting polemics and disharmony along racial and religious lines.
“PAS is also surprised at how, despite being a government-supporting MP, Ngeh has shown to be completely insensitive to the process and procedure undertaken by Putrajaya.
“His reckless statement only seeks to cause controversy and conflict,” the Kota Baru MP said in a statement yesterday.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal described the proposal as shallow and ignorant of the Federal Constitution.
“As a Member of Parliament, he should know that matters regarding Islam are under the purview of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.
“Syariah laws need to be discussed, managed and enforced by Muslims. They do not involve non-Muslims,” he said.
Wan Ahmad Fayshal also said Ngeh’s statement could create public uneasiness, especially among Muslims, if non-Muslims were involved in the process of drawing up Islamic laws, adding that it could be viewed as interfering in Islamic affairs.
“If Ngeh is really concerned about the competency of the state assembly to draw up Islamic laws, he can suggest Islamic experts.
“The committee has the approval of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is chairman of the National Council for Islamic Affairs Malaysia (MKI).
“Work has already begun. As such, Ngeh should withdraw his proposal and openly apologise,” said the Machang MP.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party “categorically rejects the proposal by Ngeh, which is unnecessary and out of touch with reality”.
“It will only trigger unnecessary controversy and instigate a polemic within the peace-loving multi-religious and multiracial society,” Asyraf said in a statement.
He noted that since independence, the Federal Constitution has clearly stipulated that the Syariah Court is specifically for Muslims.
He urged all quarters to put their trust in the special committee whose members are appointed by the MKI chairman.
“The process of improving and elevating the Syariah Court, since Umno led the previous government, has always been implemented gradually, considering the scope of powers allowed by the Federal Constitution.
“I believe whatever the outcome of the study will never infringe on the rights of non-Muslims and go beyond the jurisdiction provided for under the Constitution,” he added.
Ngeh’s DAP colleague, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, also said he agreed that there is no need to appoint a non-Muslim expert to the special committee and urged that the panel members be given space by all parties to carry out their responsibility.
“The panel is made up of experienced and competent experts in their fields, especially in regard to the Constitution, and they will be studying the matter objectively, beyond the considerations of race and their own religion,” he posted on X yesterday.
