DAP concerned about turn of event on Act 355

KUCHING: DAP is concerned about the turn of event regarding the stance of state Barisan Nasional (BN) on the amendment to Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, commonly known as Act 355.

Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said the state BN under the late chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had opposed the Bill, but the stance had now changed.

“Initially, when the matter (Act 355) was brought up, Adenan has made it very clear to oppose it. All Sarawak MPs should oppose but in the last two months, this clear position has changed.

“Why is there a change on the stance on Act 355. Does it show that Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is incapable and doesn’t have the courage to stand up against the wishes and policies of Umno,” Chong asked.

Chong, who is DAP chairman, told a press conference at DAP headquarters yesterday, that the recent development on Act 355 also clearly showed that PAS’ value to Umno exceed ‘the value of all BN component parties’.

“This clearly shows that Umno’s wish is always there and other component parties have no say,” Chong, who is Kota Sentosa assemblyman, said.

Chong also said the claim that Act 355 would not affect Sabah and Sarawak was a ‘clear-cut’ lie, adding that the passing of the Bill was a ‘backdoor violation’ and would remove the constitutional rights of the state.