Zaid: Umno, PAS leaders unqualified to pass Hadi’s Bill
Former law minister says they have no sense of what is just and fair, and are an arrogant bunch of leaders who practise double standards.
(FMT) – In a scathing blog entry today, former Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim lashed out at Umno and PAS leaders, saying they were not qualified to implement hudud in the country or pass Hadi Awang’s Private Member’s Bill in Parliament.
Hadi’s bill seeks amendments to the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdictions) Act 1965 or Act 355 so shariah courts can impose harsher sentences except death.
“We must reject any law they seek to pass because they are not just and fair leaders,” Zaid said of Umno and PAS leaders, who he accused of being arrogant and hypocritical because they used their positions of power to protect themselves from criminal charges.
“They also abuse their power to enrich themselves, either by stealing cash or stealing timber from forests reserves,” he said, adding that they thought nothing of arresting or charging others, like himself, who asked questions about their conduct.
He said the Quran detested hypocrites, pretenders and liars and demanded instead honesty and integrity from leaders in a community, who should live simple lives and “not get paid for spreading the religion.”
“Today we have corrupt and dishonest leaders, and they are the ones pushing for hudud law—but they are not fit to qualify as Muslim leaders, so they are not fit to implement hudud,” he argued.
He also condemned the shabby treatment of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who has been denied a police escort when he travels, and alleged it was simply because the veteran politician criticised Prime Minister Najib Razak.
