Most eyes are on the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) amendment bill, which is expected to be tabled in this current sitting of Parliament.

There have been two schools of thought on this. On the one hand, they assure us that this will only affect the Muslims and that non-Muslims need not worry about or interfere with the affairs of Muslims.

On the other hand, we have been told that non-Muslims will inevitably be affected by such Islamic laws, as we have seen over the past decades.

Let me reiterate, it is never about non-Muslims interfering into Islamic affairs.

Putting aside the question of its constitutionality, I also want to know, how can a country be expected to be fair when we have two separate laws to govern different religions?

Today, the supreme council of the ruling Barisan Nasional will discuss the coalition's stand or support in relation to the Act 355 amendment bill.

I hope all the BN leaders will reach a consensus on this, based on their conscience. They, especially the MPs, represent all Malaysians and not only the Muslim community.

By now most people are able to figure out that this whole episode of the Act 355 amendment is a game of politics. Although the majority of Umno MPs are likely to support the bill, other component parties have disagreed with it, especially Gerakan and MCA.

Undeniably, religion has been used over the last few years as a tool in political power play and to cultivate an us-versus-them mentality.

The power struggle comes in the form of portraying that they will protect the rights of Muslims. Now, this is of concern to Malaysians, concerning the sincerity of implementing these laws in the first place.

I am also made to understand there could be non-Muslim MPs from BN supporting the Act 355 amendment bill. To me these are obviously the selfish MPs, with vested interests.

Instead of worrying about Act 355, they should focus on reviving the judiciary, which has been systematically destroyed over the years. Why not clean up the system and get rid of corruption, since that is the root of so much evil in our country?

Why not teach our children the importance of respect, tolerance and other important human values, instead of teaching them blind obedience, fear and hatred?

Our existing criminal laws are reasonably good enough to protect and serve Malaysians of all races and religions. We just need to find a way to prevent people from abusing the system.

And, by allowing the power play of pushing through the Act355 amendment or Hudud Bill, it will cause repercussions upon the country as a whole.

ANDY YONG is the deputy Youth chief of Parti Gerakan.