Critics of the suggestion included Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and Abdul Halim Suleiman, the secretary of the party’s Johor chapter.

Describing Ngeh’s proposal as “very foolish”, Akmal said shariah laws only apply to Muslims, and that Ngeh was an example of a leader who failed to understand the sensitivities of Muslims in the country.

“Leaders like this are ‘thorns in the flesh’ of the unity government,” he said, urging DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook to decide whether to shield such leaders or maintain relationships within the government.

In his Facebook post meanwhile, Abdul Halim warned Ngeh and other non-Muslim DAP leaders against “crossing the line” and interfering in shariah law and other Islamic matters, saying it might affect the unity and harmony among the diverse communities in Malaysia.

“If DAP truly wants to continue improving and building a strong relationship within the unity government to strengthen Malaysia’s multiracial foundation, sensitive issues like these should not be raised again,” he said.

“You don’t need to meddle in the legal affairs of Islamic law, just as we do not interfere in the religious matters of other communities.”

In making the proposal yesterday, Ngeh said that involving non-Muslim constitutional experts would ensure diverse perspectives on proposed constitutional adjustments, fostering a more inclusive decision-making process.

Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zakarshi meanwhile took Ngeh to task over the latter’s suggestion that the Malaysian Bar be made part of the committee.

Puad claimed that the Bar was often biased against Umno, citing the body’s failure to challenge dropped cases beyond those involving party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“If there is concern about overlap, a non-Muslim legal expert can be considered as a member, but not for interference. As long as it’s not the Bar Council,” he said.