The Islamic Institute of Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) and the Syariah Judiciary Department, herein referred to as SJDM have proposed imposing Islamic laws on non-Muslims, namely that non-Muslims found ‘committing’ khalwat (ie, close proximity, an offence under state Islamic law enactments) with Muslims be also held criminally liable

I find it amusing such a proposal is being proposed when existing Syariah laws are not even being enforced full heartedly. Why come up with new laws when the existing Syariah laws are enforced with a ‘close one eye’ attitude?. Once in a while, one or two individuals are caught contravening Islamic laws, but this is just to show that some enforcement work is being done. But in reality, the spirit of such laws, which is good in nature, is far from being enforced.

Just go to any night club in Kuala Lumpur in the evening and one can see many Muslims indulging in drinking alcohol, the consumption of which is strongly prohibited in Islam. Why are not Ikim and SJDM doing anything about this?

Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, go to any Magnum 4D, Sports Toto outlet and you can see Muslims lining up like bees to buy their empat nombor ekor, ie indulging in gambling, an act prohibited in Islam. Again, what are Ikim and SJDM doing about this?

To make matters worse, at each and every gambling outlet, there is a huge sign which states, Judi adalah salah di sisi Islam .

Even during Bulan Puasa (Ramadhan), go to the same Magnum 4D and Sports Toto shops, and again, you can see a beeline of Muslims punting their numbers. The religion enforcement officers don't even have to set a trap to catch a Muslim committing the offence of gambling. The offences are committed the whole day long!

It make you wonder that when there are offences glaring in front of you, the enforcement officers ignore such offences but they have the time to hide in the taman bunga and catch and prosecute couples holding hands.

Let me just stop there. I don't even want to get in the massage parlours and health centres issue as it gets too lengthy and also because they are not as visible as drinking alcohol and indulging in gambling, which, society at large can see daily.

I hope Ikim and SJDM first buck up implementing the enforcement procedures first. If we are sincere about implementing Islamic laws for the betterment of Malaysian society as a whole, Malaysia should emulate Brunei, where there is proper enforcement.

I am sure the federal government won't mind the lesser sin taxes it will obtain annually due to lesser patronage of such alcohol and gambling establishments due to strict enforcement of Syariah laws in the light that it will promote a healthier society.