Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, the Sungai Siput MP said it was the right of every community in Malaysia to decide on how it wants to practise its religion.
“Based on this principle, if the Muslim community in Malaysia believes that empowering shariah courts in the country is part of their responsibilities as a Muslim, then other communities should not stop them from doing so.
“However, non-Muslims in the country should be briefed on the bill to ensure their rights will not be violated.”
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired a special briefing session on Act 355, where every Muslim MP was invited.
This prompted a response from Amanah communications director and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who said non-Muslims should have been invited to the briefing session to clear the confusion surrounding that bill.
Jeyakumar also shared similar sentiments as Khalid, saying non-Muslims should be notified on the implications of the bill and ensure that there will be separation of powers between the shariah and civil courts.
He also emphasised that there must be more discussion on Act 355 as there are several lawmakers who are concerned about the bill’s potential implications on Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.
When asked by reporters if he would vote “yes” on the bill, Jeyakumar said he would have to refer to his party comrades in PSM.
“I’m torn in between … I can’t vote based on what I feel as an Indian. I have to take into account that I represent one-third Malays and one-third Chinese in my constituency.
“So I have to vote based on what my people want.”
Yesterday, Zahid said the amended Act 355 will be read for the first time before the end of the current parliamentary session this Thursday.
Zahid said a parliamentary select committee, consisting of Muslim and non-Muslim lawmakers, will be formed to further study Act 355.
The bill brought on May 26 by Hadi, who is the PAS president, seeks to increase the powers of the shariah courts to impose a heavier penalty for offences under the shariah law for Islamic offences listed under state jurisdiction in the Federal Constitution.