Proposed PAS rally for shariah bill draws mixed response

awang-khoo-1

PETALING JAYA: Analysts have expressed mixed views of PAS’ plan to hold a rally next year to demonstrate the massive support for the party’s bill to expand the powers of shariah courts.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political analyst Awang Azman Pawi told FMT that such a rally would be a good indicator of how many people actually supported the bill.

“It is good that they hold a demonstration because they can test the waters that way. It will be an indicator of how many people sympathise with or support the bill.

“Demonstrations are a good platform for the people to express their opinions. If tens of thousands of people come out on that day, it will show that many Malaysians support the bill.

“But if there are only two to three thousand people, then we will know what Malaysians really think about the private member’s bill,” he told FMT.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, on May 26, moved a private member’s bill to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965. The bill seeks to amend the Act, also known as Act 355, to empower shariah courts to enforce punishments provided in shariah laws for Islamic offences, except for the death penalty, listed under state jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution.

Hadi recently announced that PAS would hold a rally, most probably in March, along with a nationwide tour to explain to the people the implications of the proposed amendments and, at the same time, address the concerns of non-Muslims.

Political analyst Khoo Kay Peng, meanwhile, said a rally was not the best platform for PAS to engage the non-Muslims, although it would definitely have the support of its own members.

“It (the rally) will also force other Malays to voice their support or concern.

“It is their (PAS’) right to hold a rally but it is not the best platform to engage the non-Muslims who remain sceptical and will view the shariah courts with great suspicion.

“I don’t see how a multiracial Malaysia can accommodate two different judicial systems and stay united,” he said.

Instead of holding a rally, Khoo suggested that the Islamist party stage a national referendum which would provide a more accurate picture of support for the bill.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired a special briefing on the bill and its proposed amendments for Muslim MPs.

The bill was subsequently moved by Hadi on Thursday, the last day of the Dewan Rakyat’s session this year.

However, the bill will only be debated at the next Parliament sitting in March.

Awang was of the opinion that Umno was showing support for the bill because the party had realised that it had nothing to do with hudud.

“It is more about enhancing shariah punishments, not hudud. Maybe we need more dialogue to enlighten the people on the issue.”