NGOs warn Muslim MPs: Vote for Hadi’s motion or…

Muslim NGOs have threatened to campaign against any Muslim MP who decides to oppose Abdul Hadi Awang’s motion to amend Act 355

(FMT) – A group of Muslim NGOs have threatened to campaign against any Muslim MP who decides to oppose PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang’s motion to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.

Hadi’s proposed amendments to the Act, which is also known as Act 355, seeks to give shariah courts wider powers to mete out sentences for offences laid out in the said Act

According to the group of about 70 people gathered outside the Parliament complex this morning, it is the duty of Muslim MPs to represent their constituencies and vote for the motion.

They also said the non-Muslims should not interfere in the matter as it would not in any way affect them.

“We represent 500 Muslim NGOs expressing their support for the Marang MP’s (Hadi) motion.

“We have toured nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak, since May this year, to explain the proposed amendments to the public. Majority of them have accepted our explanation.

“The non-Muslims need not worry or spread the allegation that the amendments are merely a way for PAS to implement hudud law,” said Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) deputy president Aminuddin Yahaya.

When asked about the high number Malays who opposed the motion, Aminuddin said every move towards good would face some challenges.

However, the group is more than willing to set up dialog sessions to address concerns the public may have.

“But if there are Muslim MPs who oppose this motion in the Dewan Rakyat, we will go to their constituencies during the next general election, and campaign against them,” Aminuddin added.

“Because what is their role in Parliament then? Why should they be chosen to represent the constituents?

“This is an ultimatum we are issuing to them. They have no reason to stop the motion from being tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.”

On Hadi’s change of stance, where he now says that the amendments would include a limitation to the penalties that shariah courts could mete out, Aminuddin said they would leave the technicalities to the committee responsible for ironing out the details.

“We just want it to be passed in the Dewan first.”