“Hadi’s stance on NM holding minor Cabinet posts points to PAS eyeing Hudud-rule theocratic state”
By MCCBCHST
8 hours ago
THE Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) refers to the following remarks made by PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang at the conclusion of PAS’s 72nd Muktamar (annual general assembly) in Kota Bharu recently.
“… while non-Muslims (NM) can be ministers, their roles would be limited to portfolios that oversee the execution of government policies while Muslims handle policy formulation.” [Malaysiakini: Sept, 8, 2026].
As the PAS president did not elaborate further on the matter, it is necessary to look at his earlier statements on the matter.
In launching the 62nd PAS Muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa, Hadi had stated that “we intend to take a new approach to revive what was implemented by Islam 1,400 years ago” [The Star: June 3, 2016], hence possibly signifying that he wants to implement Islam the way it was practiced in the seventh century.
At a Feb 4,2018 dialogue session of his party with Indian NGOs, Hadi was reported as saying:
… that there would be two cabinets should the Islamist party come into power. One (is) a cabinet that decides on national policies. This must consist of people who adopt the national ideology and faith.
This cabinet will then appoint an executive cabinet to carry out the policies and the members can be non-Muslims… [Malaysian Insight: Feb 4, 2018]
Theocratic Islamic state
It is very clear from the PAS president’s above statements that the party’s goal is a theocratic Islamic state for Malaysia with Hudud imposed.
A theocratic Islamic state is not compatible with the Federal Constitution (FC) which provides equality for all citizens before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law (Article 8 of FC).
As the Federal Constitution stands today, a theocratic Islamic state is not possible as it would be an attack on the basic structure of the FC which includes protection of fundamental rights of minorities.
The basic structure of a Constitution is intrinsic to – and arises from – the very nature of the Constitution. It is a settled law which basic structure cannot be abrogated or removed by a constitutional amendment.
This means that even if Parliament passes law by a two-third majority (or by 100% of MPs), to abolish fundamental liberties a.k.a. minorities rights, this amendment will be struck out as null and void or being unconstitutional by the court.
It is clear from the above pronouncements made by Hadi that PAS’ ultimate goal is to create a theocratic Islamic state. The Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (II) Bill 1993 does provide among others for Hudud offences.
This PAS quest for a theocratic Islamic state is unconstitutional and against the basic structure as well as the fundamental rights including equality (Article 8) guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
Oath of lawmakers
MPs have to take oath to “… bear true faith and allegiance to Malaysia and will preserve, protect and defend its Constitution” before being appointed as Dewan Rakyat members.
Thus, MPs must defend the Federal Constitution against PAS push for a theocratic state.
In conclusion, the MCCBCHST calls upon all Malaysians to unite and defend the Federal Constitution which is a product of give and take with the social contract embodied in it being one of moderation and compromise.
A theocratic state will have effect of undermining the Federal Constitution and destroying the fundamental rights of citizens.
The MCCBCHST further calls upon PAS to give pledge to protect the Federal Constitution and abide by it.
Even when there is no theocratic state, PAS was found wanting whereby 16 offences contained in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (1) Enactment 2019 were ruled to be null and void as being in conflict with the Federal Constitution by the Federal Court in the case of Nik Elin Zurina binti Nik Abdul Rashid & Anor v. Kerajaan Negeri Kelantan [Petition No. BKA-2-05/2022(D)].
Thus, PAS must proceed with caution and abide by the Federal Constitution. – Sept 11, 2026
The MCCBCHST statement was signed by its president Venerable Seck Chaio Ying who is also the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) vice-president and the council’s deputy president Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar who is the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) EXCO member.
Three other signatories of the statement were vice-presidents Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow (Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia president), Datuk Mohan Shan (Malaysia Hindu Sangam vice-president) and Sardar Jagir Singh (Malaysian Gurdwaras Council president).
No comments:
Post a Comment