Law professor says Karpal confused when calling to deregister religion-based parties

(The Star) – DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s call to deregister all professional or political bodies that operate along race or religion lines claiming they posed threat to society was “uncalled for” as it contradicts the rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

A law professor Prof Datuk Abdul Halim Sidek (pic) said Karpal, who is also a practising lawyer, had made a statement contrary to fundamental rights in the supreme law, that is the rights to freedom of association and the freedom of expression.

“Karpal is a confused person. On one hand he advocates human rights, on the other he is denouncing some other human rights,” he told The Star Online.

Abdul Halim, who is a law professor from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, said that race or religion-based bodies or associations in Malaysia are still relevant as each ethnic group would like to be represented and have their voices heard.

He said ethnic groups such as Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan, Bidayuh, Iban, Sikhs or those who come from Portuguese or even Siamese descent are all Malaysians and they need “a sense of belongings”.

“They need a platform to (express themselves), that is why they have associations such as religious or racial bodies. They are all registered and well maintained and monitored by Registrar of Societies,” he said.

On Tuesday Karpal, who is Bukit Gelugor MP, lashed out against the Muslim Lawyers Association (MLA) for threatening the Bar Council over its alleged support for Catholic weekly Herald, saying that such association should be de-registered.

The veteran lawyer and politician also called for the de-registration of all political or professional bodies which operate along racial and religious lines, including its ally PAS, saying that the move would work in the interest of unity.

Abdul Halim said Karpal appeared to be ‘threading on a thin ice’ as his proposal was “dangerous” to the multi-racial society.

“In the end, it all boils down to him telling us not to be proud of our heritage,” he said.

Although there’s some “truth” to what Karpal said, the chairman of Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Tengku Azwil Tengku Abdul Razak said the law provides the rights to freedom of association.

“I agree to some of what he said, but we have the liberty to fight for our rights based on religion or race,” he said, adding that although PPIM is run on Islamic platform, it also takes care of other races’ welfare.

“In Islam, we are not taught to oppress other races, instead we protect them if they see injustice. We are taught to fight for human rights based on Islamic principles,” he said.

He said the relevancy of such associations that operate along these lines are depending on the requirement of the society.

“You can’t stop them from forming various organisations or political parties because it relies on the acceptance of the general public. If it is good for the society, I don’t see why not,” said Tengku Azwil.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) secretary-general Prematilaka KD Serisena said Karpal’s proposal was “in the right direction” as racial and ethnicity perpetuated in this time of age.

“If we want to appreciate and realise the concept of 1Malaysia and understanding each others, the political parties must start the ball rolling to become multi-racial,” he said when contacted.

He said this was the reason all the religious bodies in the council came together as a collusion.

“I think we have matured enough to go in that direction. Personally, I would like to see a day where we do not have to go on racial lines to represent us or to defend us,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that while the unity concept of 1Malaysia initiated by the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is celebrated, the are some who speak with “forked tongue”.

“Lip service has been going on and not doing anyone any good,” he said.