By G25
G25 welcomes the prime minister’s announcement that the government has decided not to take over the private member’s bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, in line with the principle of consensus in Barisan National.
The decision is very much in line with the spirit of consultation and mutual understanding among BN parties.
However, we note that the private member’s bill is still on the Dewan Rakyat’s order paper and can be tabled any time during a sitting.
We appeal to the government and the MPs not to support Act 355 as it is not only a divisive issue in multiracial Malaysia, but the first step towards the implementation of hudud.
Any legislation that alienates fellow Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak, and which makes the minority races feel they do not count, is bound to create friction in the federation, and add to the fears many already harbour over the future of Malaysia as a constitutional democracy.
As it is, Malaysians are asking what has happened to the five principles of Rukun Negara, which are meant to unite the various communities into a happy and peaceful nation.
International economists and experts who have studied Malaysia’s remarkable economic development to become one of the most advanced economies in the developing world in a relatively short time, have always cited its system of law and administration as a key factor in attracting foreign and local investors.
It is a system that foreigners are familiar with because it is similar to what they have in their own countries.
Their presence is vital for the transfer of knowledge and technology that will enable Malaysians to develop their skills to compete in the world market.
We will be taking a big risk of losing our foreign and local investors if we have a system of law that accords differential treatment according to race.
In addition to being misaligned to the modern way of life, such a system will confuse and create uncertainty for investors who have their investments to protect.
Higher priority should be given to improving the standards of governance and strengthening our public institutions so as to promote integrity and a clean administration for the country.
These governing qualities are far more important for the country than the policing of the moral behaviour of Muslims and punishing them like criminals.
The personal sins of Muslims do not hurt others in society or the economy, but corruption and financial mismanagement among politicians and civil servants, together with the perception that the institutions of justice favour those in power, do harm to all.
These are the social diseases that can cause economies to collapse and the people to rise up against their rulers.
Therefore, we urge the government and MPs not to support the PAS bill and to instead devote their energy to dealing with the unresolved problems surrounding 1MDB so that the country can turn its attention to the bigger issues facing the economy, in particular, the weak ringgit and the rising cost of living.
We do not need the PAS bill to divide the nation at a time when all Malaysians should stand together to face the challenges confronting our country.
*G25 is a movement of eminent Malay moderates.
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