Religious groups want clear stand from Pakatan

PETALING JAYA: As Pakatan Rakyat avoided making a definite stand with regards to the hudud law dilemma within the coalition, religious groups remain wary and urge the coalition to clearly define its position.

Council of Churches Malaysia general secretary Dr Hermen Shastri said that since the issue was still at a discussion stage, it was too early to comment on the matter, unless “it appears on Pakatan’s election manifesto”.

He stated unconditionally that churches would not support any party which promoted hudud. Shastri said that from his understanding, after dialogues with Opposition leaders in the past, the coalition was not for the implementation of hudud.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Mohan Shan told The Malay Mail Asked how the MHS would react if Pakatan managed to wrest Putrajaya and later approve Hudud, he said that they “will not abide by it at any rate”.

“Our stand is very clear. We are very strong (in our opinion). There are different races in Malaysia. It is a matter that concerns Muslims, not us,” he said.

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) president Amidi Abd Manan said that the implementation of hudud should be looked at holistically and not be politicised.

“Islam is a religion of peace. Hudud is only a small part of Islamic law.

“The issue is being played as (punishments) being cruel,” he said, calling it “political polemic”.

He called for a more objective study of the matter before opinions were formed.

“This issue needs an academic study without sentimentalities involved.”

“This is a small issue. There is so much more that needs to be looked at, including the Islamic spirit, before hudud can be implemented,” he said.

The hudud standoff resurfaced, late last week, when PAS Ulama Council chief Datuk Harun Taib and party president Datuk Hadi Awang stated that hudud laws would be implemented if Pakatan Rakyat took over Putrajaya.

This led DAP national chairman Karpal Singh, who had been against hudud since the idea was mooted, to rebuke PAS, saying that the Islamic party could not implement hudud.