Act 355 splits Muslims, says Mujahid

MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said plans by PAS to amend the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, could cause a rift among Muslims and unease among non-Muslims as the proposed changes overlap common law.

Describing the move as more of a political issue than a substantive one, he said it is a political strategy by PAS and Umno aimed at serving their own interests, Sin Chew Daily reported yesterday.

Mujahid, who is in charge of religious affairs, said in an interview with the daily that PAS and Umno had intended to unite the Malays with Act 355, but the reality is that it not only splits the Malays but also cause unease and apprehension among non-Malays.

Mujahid did not give a straight answer when asked if the motion for Act 355, which was moved thrice by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang before the federal government changed hands after the 14th general election, would be included in the current Parliament meeting but said Act 355 is not a priority item as there are many issues, such as child marriage and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender), that need to be resolved urgently.

He said religious issues should not be politicised and that revamping and strengthening the position of the syariah courts is more important.