No compulsion to implement Islamic State law, says Shah Alam MP
KUALA LUMPUR: If the Opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manages to secure control of the Federal government, Islamic law could be implemented in certain States in Malaysia. Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad of Pas told reporters at Parliament yesterday that PR will seek the views of the public first before Islamic State law is put into practice. “If the majority of the people in one State agree to the setting up of an Islamic State, it will then be implemented in that State.” Khalid’s views illustrated exactly what is now being practiced by the PR coalition in the States it governs. However, earlier this week, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh reiterated the party’s stance against the setting up of an Islamic State – stating it will not compromise on Pas’ demand for such a set-up.
In response, Nik Aziz claimed it was only Karpal’s personal opinion and claimed DAP had not objected to Pas’ Islamic State concept, adding only a “few leaders were grumbling about it”.
DAP MPs, approached at Parliament for a response to Nik Aziz’s claims, declined to comment.
However, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MP Yusmadi Yusoff said PR had yet to agree on the Islamic State issue.
Umno Youth deputy chief Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the in-fighting between DAP and Pas was further testimony that the ideologies of both parties were “worlds apart”.
“The Barisan Nasional coalition has been in existence for a long time, unlike PR which was only formed after the election,” said Mukhriz.
“We thrash out the differences between component parties before an election and we make sure what we put across to the people in our manifesto are things we can fulfil.” Independent MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali echoed Mukhriz’s opinion on the differences between Pas and DAP.
“DAP and Pas are two parties with contrasting ideologies. I have constantly said that it will be a disaster if this loose PR coalition forms a government,” said the Pasir Mas MP.
Ibrahim, known for his pro-Malay rights standpoint, said he was not surprised with Karpal’s reiteration of his disagreement towards an Islamic State.
“Right now, DAP must clarify its stance on the Islamic State issue so people will know exactly where the party stands. If DAP says it can accept Pas’ demand for an Islamic State, I will join Pas tomorrow. That is, if they will accept me.”
On Khalid’s statement that an Islamic State could be implemented only in certain States, Ibrahim said it will only cause havoc in the country.
“There should be a uniform policy. Otherwise, it will cause chaos in the country. That is practising double standards — a hypocrisy of the highest order.”
