‘PM accepted state BN’s opposition to Act 355’
KUCHING: The federal government’s decision not to table a bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, has been viewed as proof that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak listened to the state Barisan Nasional’s ( BN) opposition to the bill.
Among the BN component parties that strongly voiced their opposition to Act 355 were Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) and the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).
“He values the multiracial sentiments of communities in Malaysia and will not cross the ‘red line’, which may destroy the spirit upon which Malaysia was founded,” said PRS president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing yesterday.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that his stance on Act 355 had not wavered from ‘day one’.
“My stance was further enforced when the PRS Supreme Council unanimously opposed the bill,” he said.
Masing said the lesson to be learnt from this episode is that Sarawakians must stand united on issues that affect them.
SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian pointed out that a united state BN had played a vital role in influencing the decision.
“With a stronger and united Sarawak BN, we are able to oppose any issue prejudicial to the interests of Sarawak and the nation within the BN,” he said.
The Minister of Local Government said the government’s decision not to table Act 355 was based on general consensus within BN, which is in line with the BN’s long established and closely guarded traditions, principles and practices.
“The BN, being the government of the day, owes a duty and a responsibility to all Malaysians, to ensure that all races live in peace and harmony and are free from any constitutional crisis or mutual distrust,” he said.
Dr Sim reiterated that SUPP had steadfastly stood by its principles to oppose the bill right from the beginning and would remain against any attempt to destroy or jeopardise the nation’s peace and stability.
“Furthermore, SUPP is also resolutely determined to safeguard the Federal Constitution on the principle of fair treatment to all races,” he added.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) acting deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas also welcomed Najib’s decision.
“He ( Najib) has made it very clear that any decision taken must be based on consensus and for the decision not to table the RUU 355 (Act 355) is a reflection of Najib being a leader who has been listening to the voices of various parties, and it is welcome news,” said the deputy chief minister.
PRS Youth chairman Snowdan Lawan praised Najib for being a genuine leader who respected
He (Najib) has made it very clear that any decision taken must be based on consensus and for the decision not to table the RUU 355 (Act 355) is a reflection of Najib being a leader who has been listening to the voices of various parties, and it is welcome news. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) acting deputy president He values the multiracial sentiments of communities in Malaysia and will not cross the ‘red line’, which may destroy the spirit upon which Malaysia was founded. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, PRS president Unity of the various races practising various religions would always be given priority. I was also given the mandate to be an elected representative of multiracial constituents in Batang Sadong. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department With a stronger and united Sarawak BN, we are able to oppose any issue prejudicial to the interests of Sarawak and the nation within the BN. Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, SUPP president This is what we call team spirit. Even though Umno is the biggest party in the country, its president chose to listen to other BN family members, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak. I strongly believe, the PM will continue this spirit and put this RUU 355 (Act 355) issue to an end by not supporting or tabling it. Snowdan Lawan, PRS Youth chairman It has been said before by the Chief Minister, Sarawak will never support Act 355 as Sarawakians have equal rights to practise their own religion, she said. Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, PBB deputy women’s chief
and accepted the views of other BN component parties.
“This is what we call team spirit. Even though Umno is the biggest party in the country, its president chose to listen to other BN family members, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak. I strongly believe, the PM will continue this spirit and put this RUU 355 (Act 355) issue to an end by not supporting or tabling it,” said the Balai Ringin assemblyman.
“It is indeed a wise move as the PM understands the importance of preserving the harmony of multicultural and multi-racial communities in this country.”
Snowdan also thanked Masing, Dr Sim and Abang Johari for their stand against Act 355.
“Not forgetting as well NGOs and those from the opposition who together rejected this RUU 355 (Act 355). We all should not vote for this bill – RUU355 (Act 355) – if PAS ( Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) is to table it next time,” he added.
Meanwhile, PBB deputy women’s chief Datuk Fatimah Abdullah pointed out that Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had made the state’s stand very clear.
“It has been said before by the Chief Minister, Sarawak will never support Act 355 as Sarawakians have equal rights to practise their own religion,” she said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, pointed out that racial and religious unity are of utmost importance for the country.
“Unity of the various races practising various religions would always be given priority. I was also given the mandate to be an elected representative of multiracial constituents in Batang Sadong,” she said.
On Tuesday, Najib said the government would not table a bill to amend Act 355, and the one tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in May would remain a Private Member’s Bill.