Baru Bian
KUCHING: Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian yesterday urged the state government to be steadfast in opposing the amendment of the Syariah Courts Act (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355).
According to him, the passing of the Bill would create two sets of criminal laws in the country which is unhealthy.
He also argued that the founders of the nation never intended to have two sets of criminal laws and their wish must not be betrayed.
“I do hope that MPs from Sarawak and Chief Minister stand firm on the matter (Syariah Courts Act (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) because no matter how they modify it, the Bill will have some elements of Hudud law,” Baru told a press conference at State Legislative Assembly (DUN) media room yesterday.
He asserted that the bottom line of the Bill would see two sets of criminal system in the country, and reiterated that the country must have only one criminal system for all citizens to be equal before the law under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, regardless of religions.
The state PKR chairman said the party stands firm with its decision to oppose the Bill and hope that the government make similar stance.
“We understand that the Bill has been adjourned and a proposal for a select committee, but whatever it is our position and stand
remain the same to reject it … our stand is very clear that there shouldn’t be two or double criminal system in Malaysia,” he stressed.
Baru also said that he was not convinced by the promise of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the Bill would not affect non-Muslims.
“That is his (Zahid) assurance..at the moment the way it is being drafted, we are not convinced as far as I’m concerned,” he said.