At Umno AGM, Zahid vows party will amend Constitution to empower Shariah law
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Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi raises the party flag at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur March 28, 2021. — Picture by Hari Anggara
KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 — Umno will push for the amendment of the Federal Constitution should the party form a super majority in Parliament in a bid to “empower” Shariah law, its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi vowed today.
The pledge was made at the party’s annual general assembly here this morning, where Ahmad Zahid told delegates that Umno must fulfill its role as the defender of Islam as the oldest Malay political outfit.
In his policy speech, the Umno president criticised the Federal Court ruling that annulled Selangor state law's provision which made unnatural sex a Shariah offence, saying the decision had deep ramification that could “denigrate” Islam and challenge the sovereign power of Malay rulers.
The former deputy prime minister had also remarked on a landmark High Court ruling that upheld the constitutional right of Bumiputera Christians to use the word “Allah” in their religious worship that has sparked backlash among conservative Malays.
“Umno feels the ruling has a serious implication.
“The ruling could potentially annul all criminal Shariah enactments in the states, it could challenge the sovereign power of the Malay Rulers.
“If we have two-thirds majority, we must amend the Federal Constitution so that Shariah Law can be strengthened,” he added.
Islamic laws fall under state purview in the country, with the respective Ruler as its supreme authority.
In a separate case on February 25, a nine-judge panel at the Federal Court declared that a Selangor state law provision that made unnatural sex a Shariah offence contravened the Federal Constitution since only Parliament has powers to enact criminal laws.
The pledge was made at the party’s annual general assembly here this morning, where Ahmad Zahid told delegates that Umno must fulfill its role as the defender of Islam as the oldest Malay political outfit.
In his policy speech, the Umno president criticised the Federal Court ruling that annulled Selangor state law's provision which made unnatural sex a Shariah offence, saying the decision had deep ramification that could “denigrate” Islam and challenge the sovereign power of Malay rulers.
The former deputy prime minister had also remarked on a landmark High Court ruling that upheld the constitutional right of Bumiputera Christians to use the word “Allah” in their religious worship that has sparked backlash among conservative Malays.
“Umno feels the ruling has a serious implication.
“The ruling could potentially annul all criminal Shariah enactments in the states, it could challenge the sovereign power of the Malay Rulers.
“If we have two-thirds majority, we must amend the Federal Constitution so that Shariah Law can be strengthened,” he added.
Islamic laws fall under state purview in the country, with the respective Ruler as its supreme authority.
In a separate case on February 25, a nine-judge panel at the Federal Court declared that a Selangor state law provision that made unnatural sex a Shariah offence contravened the Federal Constitution since only Parliament has powers to enact criminal laws.
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kt notes:
Has Zahid made a pre-election rhetoric? It's an explosive promise that now frightens non-Muslims and at the same time, spell doom for him if he reneges on this promise (on coming back to federal power post GE15).
What does the word 'empower Syariah laws' mean? Full blown syariah laws to completely replace civil laws, or some minor enhancements of the 3-5-6 limitations?
In no doubt the Islamic euphoria following Zahid's speech, how will PAS react? Still continuing its slutting with PPBM as the Islamic Party prefers (but tossing love poem at UMNO? wakakaka), or having a second thought as to its alliance, now that UMNO has 3 x talaq PPBM?
Not that they matter to UMNO 'Ah Hneah' in the general scheme of things, but how will MCA, MIC and Gerakan now plan their future?
MCA, MIC, Gerakan and all the Sabah and Sarawak parties that were in cahoots with BN since the 80s and 90s are responsible for the various state enactments on sharia law in their respective states. What we have today, constitutional or not, is a direct result of their incompetence and irresponsibility, not only to the races they claim to represent, but also to the Malay Muslims who now have to live with what has been enacted. For example child conversion, Allah controversy, sharia penal code, dress code etc which affects Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
ReplyDeleteSo now with the latest chest thumping by UMNO, what will Wee KHAT Siong do? Blame DAP for not correcting it in the 22 months?
Back in the 1990's and early 2000's, I lived in a Malay-majority area, with substantial Chinese voter population.
DeleteThe MP and State Representative were from UMNO, always with strong support from MCA.
So I'm very clear the talk about What Could MCA do ? Is a Cock-and-Bull story
MCA for decades was an active and willing supporter and collaborationist of UMNO , including all the Race and Religion Supremacist acts that took place under UMNO auspices.
What does Wee KHAT Sial have to say about this ?
ReplyDeletepas is now a racist wannabe, while umno a fanatic wannabe, both equally success.
ReplyDeleteIt is a race to see who is more Islamic - this reminds me of the old idiot who said Malaysia was already an Islamic state; to counter PAS.
ReplyDeleteNo good will come out of this!!!!