MCA against PAS’ hudud not Islam, says Chong
(The Star) – MCA has no intention of interfering in Islamic affairs and is merely defending the Federal Constitution in relation to PAS’ hudud Bill.
MCA Youth chief Senator Chong Sin Woon (pic) said as a secular state, the law should apply equally to all Malaysians.
“Let me stress that we are not up against Islam and please don’t push us into a religious conflict.
“As far as we are concerned, Barisan Nasional still upholds the spirit of the Federal Constitution.
“This is the Barisan stand and it has never wavered. The hudud issue is not our agenda but PAS’,” he said after opening the TVET & Higher Education Fair 2016 jointly organised by MCA Youth and Federation of JPK Accredited Centres at Viva Home expo hall here.
On Thursday, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia allowed a Government motion to elevate the Private Members’ Bill tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in Parliament for debate.
The Bill had sought to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 to empower the Islamic courts to impose any punishment allowed by Syariah law except the death sentence.
After the Bill was tabled, Hadi proposed that it be debated at the next meeting of the Dewan Rakyat in October.
The unexpected tabling of the Bill prompted strong opposition from MCA and other Barisan component parties.
On Kedah MCA deputy chairman and Gurun assemblyman Datuk Dr Leong Yong Kong quitting the party in protest of the Bill, Chong said the state party chairman had already met with him to discuss the matter.
“By right, he (Dr Leong) should stick together with the party and face the challenges head-on.
“He should not be emotional and walk out just like that. A real hero will stand and fight to the end,” Chong said.
On Friday, Dr Leong announced his decision to quit MCA until the issue has a turnaround. He said he would leave his state exco position to party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah to decide on.
