In a statement today, DAP said the decision had been made at the central executive committee meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night.
“We have made our stand clear. We do not support the proposed amendments to the bill, be it in its original or amended form.
“We have and will continue to oppose it in Parliament,” it said in the statement, jointly issued by Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo and Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari.
“PAS is exercising its constitutional right to assemble peacefully. That is entirely up to them.”
The two added that the many views expressed both for and against the amendments were part and parcel of the democratic process.
They said DAP would state its concerns over the amendments in full when the motion comes up for debate in Parliament.
Tomorrow’s rally is in support of a private members’ bill tabled by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, better known as Act 355.
The amendments give wider powers to shariah courts in the country in dealing with Muslim offenders.
Among others, the amendments seek an increase in the current jail term from three to 30 years. It also calls for a fine of up to RM100,000 and up to 100 strokes of the cane.
The shariah criminal punishment is currently capped at three years’ prison term, RM5,000 fine and six strokes of the cane.
In January, PAS said it was aiming to attract 300,000 people, adding that over 200 NGOs would attend the rally.
The Islamist party had invited Muslims and non-Muslims alike to attend, including DAP.
Bebas, a movement that upholds equality, opposes racial discrimination and advocates religious freedom in Malaysia, is organising a peaceful rally tomorrow to oppose the proposed amendments.
The Bebas event will take place at the Tasik Taman Jaya in Petaling Jaya tomorrow afternoon.