DR Jeyakumar of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), recently acknowledged the right of Muslims to amend Act 355. The Bill to amend this act was tabled by Marang Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi.
The “Bill” has seen a lot of opposition by parties from both the government and opposition. Pretext for antagonism was the effect of this amendment on the non-Muslim minority.
Despite being repeated many times, the amendment is for crimes punishable under the Syariah Courts. Syariah Courts have a limited jurisdiction i.e. only on Muslims, as mentioned in Item 1, State List of the Ninth Schedule in the Federal Constitution.
Apart from explanations made by PAS, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid, and the Prime Minister himself have said that Act 355 cannot be enforced on non-Muslims.
The fact of the matter is that this act has existed since 1965, and was last amended in 1984. Never once since then were non-Muslims ever sentenced.
When the amendment was tabled in 1984, there was no opposition, in certitude there was support from the non-Muslims. Why do we not see the same sentiments now?
Some MPs have reminded their counterparts on their duty towards their voters. Indeed we would like to add emphasis on the matter. Most if not all of the constituencies have Muslims as a majority. Indeed, MPs have to look into the demands of the masses.
Were they not elected as representatives for the community? Lest they forget, the populace can send a reminder in the coming elections.
How many times can an explanation be given before people start to listen? Perhaps some might have an interest in maintaining meagre sentences for crime.
Rehan Ahmad Bin Jamaluddin Ahmad
Insitut Kajian Strategik Islam Malaysia (IKSIM)
