CM commended for standing his ground on bill to amend Act 355

MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg received praise from Miri Indian Association for standing his ground on the bill to amend the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) in the interest of all Sarawakians.

In a statement yesterday, its president councillor Karambir Singh who is also deputy president of Sarawak Indian Society and vice-president of Sarawak Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he welcomed the decision of the federal government not to take over the Private Member’s Bill tabled by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also BN national chairman, announced the decision following the consensus reached over the matter at the BN supreme council meeting on Wednesday.

“I hope more of this type of consensus approach is used on other important issues,” opined Karambir.

He said what is more important for Sarawakians is the fact that the Chief Minister has held his ground and delivered his promise - proof that he has the interest of all Sarawakians at heart.

“We Sarawakians must continue to support him and BN Sarawak to ensure the rights and interests of Sarawakians are represented and protected,” he added.

Karambir, however, cautioned Sarawakians to remain vigilant as the bill can still be debated as a Private Member’s Bill.

He called on the Dewan Rakyat Speaker to be judicious on this matter and take into account the interest of all Malaysians.