Ambiga to PAS: Why the call for hudud?
The former Bersih co-chairperson says PAS knows that hudud can only be implemented in a just society
Alyaa Azhar, Free Malaysia Today
Former Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga has questioned Islamist party PAS’ decision to implement the hudud penal code.
At a forum organised by MCA titled ‘Hudud – A Nation at a Crossroads’, Ambiga stressed that hudud will only divide the nation.
“You fought against the country’s rotten system, so why are you implementing hudud which can only be implemented in a just society?
“With the goods and services tax (GST) to be implemented, there is going to be poverty. It is not what we need now. So, please reconsider this hudud bill in view of the social context,” she said.
PAS, last week, decided to postpone the tabling of a private member’s bill to pave the way for the implementation of hudud in Kelantan.
However, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah announced that PAS will table the bill in September.
Stressing that separation of religion and the state is something to be pursued, Ambiga also called for MPs to rise to the occasion.
“The MP’s oath states that they have to protect and defend the constitution. However, the constitution has not been defended enough.
“It is now or never. Know that you can make a difference in Parliament,” she said.
Saying that Malaysia has the potential to become ‘Switzerland of the East’, she said that PAS should be emulating countries such as Morocco and Tunisia instead of countries which implement hudud.
“Malaysia should go the way of truly enlightened societies. As it is, none of the countries (which implement hudud) are great democracies.
“The government needs to make that decision and MCA must help in making that decision. The country’s concern should be addressing corruption,” she said.
