Sarawak BN welcomes decision on RUU355
(The Star) – Sarawak Barisan Nasional leaders have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision not to take over the Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (RUU355).
Deputy Chief Minister and Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) acting deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had made it very clear that the decision was made on consensus.
“I think that is a very important reflection of how the Prime Minister, being our leader, has been listening to the voices of various parties, and for that reason he came to that conclusion.
“We really welcome his decision,” he told reporters after announcing a charity golf event to raise funds for rural schoolchildren here on Thursday.
Najib said after a Barisan supreme council meeting late Wednesday that the Government would not be tabling the Bill in line with the principle of consensus in the coalition.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the party supported and welcomed Najib’s decision not to table the Bill in Parliament.
He said it was based on consensus within Barisan in line with the ruling coalition’s long-established traditions, principles and practices.
“It should be remembered that a united Sarawak Barisan played a vital role in the decision-making. With a stronger and united state Barisan, we are able to oppose any issue prejudicial to the interests of Sarawak and the nation,” he said in a statement.
Dr Sim also said SUPP stood by its principle to oppose the Bill from the beginning and was against any attempt by anyone to jeopardise the nation’s peace and stability.
“SUPP is also resolutely determined to safeguard the Federal Constitution on the principle of fair treatment to all races.
“Barisan, being the government of the day, owes a duty and responsibility to all Malaysians to ensure that all races live in peace and harmony and be free from any constitutional crisis or mutual distrust,” he added.
The Bill, tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, was meant to give syariah courts the power to impose stiffer penalties on all crimes except those with the death sentence.