Charge PAS leaders with sedition, says Perkasa

(The Rakyat Post) – Malay rights group Perkasa wants several PAS leaders to be charged under the Sedition Act for wanting to amend the enactment which allows the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) to directly control the state’s religious authorities.

Selangor Perkasa chief Abu Bakar Yahya said the action by PAS leaders was no different than challenging the royal institution which was responsible in matters relating to the sanctity and dignity of Islam.

“The statement by PAS leaders is rude, impolite and ill-mannered in the context of Malay culture, especially when it touches on the role and power of the Malay rulers as head of Islam in their own states.

“As such they should be charged under the Sedition Act for bringing disrepute to the royal institution and belittling the roles of Mais and Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais),” said Abu Bakar in a memorandum to uphold the dignity of Islam submitted to Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

He also demanded that Mais and Jais be given more legislative powers so it can protect Islam, the royal institution and Malays from various attacks and insults in a more effective way.

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah, Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli and Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin had urged the state government to review the 1952 Enactment on Islamic Laws Administration (Enactment No. 3, 1952) and the Islamic Religion Administration Enactment 2003.

This is to limit Mais’ powers and to ensure that it acts under the orders of the Selangor government.

The urging was made following the refusal by Mais to return the 321 bibles seized from Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) office on Jan 2 despite being ordered to do so by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

The refusal to comply had been seen as disruptive to the state administration.

“PAS MPs hope that the Selangor government will relook the roles and powers of Mais to ensure it is in line with government policies or the constitutional monarchy.

“The executive roles of Mais should not cause chaos within the Selangor government or tarnish the royal institution,” the MPs said.