What’s next for Pakatan Rakyat?
There may be speeches and remarks that certain segments of society will not wish to hear, but freedom of speech, as well as the right to bring forward issues for debate is still one of the core principles of democracy.
Roger Teoh, Free Malaysia Today
Following the re-election of Abdul Hadi Awang and the pro-ulama victory at the PAS party elections yesterday, it is fair to say that the conflicting ideas are now threatening the very existence of Pakatan Rakyat.
The formation of Pakatan Rakyat coalition in 2008 gave millions of Malaysians hope of a change in government at the federal level.
Seven years later, is this finally the end of the road for the Opposition coalition party? Is Pakatan Rakyat finally at a point of no return? Is its disintegration the only solution left?
Personally, I do not agree, and I do not wish to see the break-up of Pakatan Rakyat.
The only issue to be considered is what options are available for the coalition to save a fast sinking ship.
Before progressing any further, it is important for me to first state that I am not a supporter of hudud law being implemented in the fabric of the Malaysian society. This particular view is also shared by the former Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Mohamad, who has stated his shock that Umno appears to be in support of hudud.
However, in a truly democratic world, it is still necessary to adopt an inclusive approach and understand the main factors behind PAS’ obsession with hudud in order to propose a solution.
Based on logical reasoning and thinking from another perspective, it is fair to say that the championing of hudud law by PAS could be an attempt to gain more votes from the Muslim population, simply by showing itself to be more Islamic than Umno.
While hudud law can be seen as outdated and inhumane by the urban population, it is rational for PAS to interpret it as pivotal in winning the hearts of the rural population in the likes of Kelantan and Terengganu.
By providing a solution in terms of democracy, I believe that the best way forward would be for Pakatan Rakyat to resolve the hudud issue in Parliament.
After all, PAS would still need the endorsement of at least half the Members of Parliament for it to practice its proposed sharia law in Kelantan.
It may be that MPs might not support hudud law in Parliament, although they may also support the idea of giving Kelantan the right to determine its own criminal laws.
There may be speeches and remarks that certain segments of society will not wish to hear, but freedom of speech, as well as the right to bring forward issues for debate is still one of the core principles of democracy.
Hence, rather than voicing discontent and denying the right of PAS to even bring the hudud issue up in Parliament, we should first see whether or not PAS is capable of getting the simple majority needed for the law to be passed.
One perfect example of such inclusive approach was seen in the United Kingdom just recently. Although Prime Minister David Cameron was strongly opposed to the idea of Great Britain leaving the European Union, a referendum was still included in his election manifesto in order for the British public to vote their preference. I believe the same can be achieved by Pakatan Rakyat with regard to hudud.
