Experts voice out against proposed Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: Two academicians are voicing out against the implementation of hudud, saying it went against the principles in which Malaysia was founded.

Assistant Professor Dr Chin Chong Foh pointed out that it was clearly stated in the Federal Constitution that although Islam was the official religion of the Federation, Malaysia would remain a secular state.

“Our founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj repeated no less than six times that our country is a secular country,” said Dr Chin, who is the head of Department of Chinese studies at Utar’s Sungai Long campus.

Dr Chin, who is known as an expert on hudud, added its implementation would give rise to a dual-legal system in which Muslims and non-Muslims were discriminated in the eyes of the law.

“For example, the penalty for stealing is having the hands cut off. Since it applies only to Muslims, if both a Muslim and non-Muslim steal, they will be subjected to different punishments.

“That is why this will create an unjust legal system,” he said.

Due to the complexities involved, Dr Chin pointed out that only five out of 14 countries that had a 99% Muslim population had implemented hudud as their basis for their legal system.

“The basic foundation of Islamic law is equal treatment and justice. If we cannot ensure punishment equally, it should not be implemented,” he said.

Dr Leong Mun Yoon agreed that hudud was in conflict with the Federal Constitution.

The director for the Centre of International Studies at Utar does not believe in a theocratic government, which will be a reality if hudud is put in place.

Though some Muslims believed hudud to be God’s law, Dr Leong said it was not God he did not trust, but instead it is those who interpret and execute His laws.

“We live in a multi-racial, multi-religious society. This (hudud implementation) would only be a step backward,” he said.