MCA Wanita today urged Malaysians to oppose plans by the PAS-led Terengganu state government to introduce hudud law in the state.

In its annual general meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the movement — which submitted a protest memorandum to the Terengganu state government on the hudud bill yesterday — also passed a resolution on the matter this morning.

Other resolutions passed include supporting the government's fight against terrorism, changes in the education system, peace and stability formula, fielding more seats in parliament and state assemblies, and priority to single mother issues.

The changes in the education system are the 10 percent quota allocated to non-bumiputra in Mara junior science colleges and matriculation programmes, merit-based university intake, use of English as the teaching medium for mathematics and science, and drive toward more bumiputra students in private colleges.

Earlier, the wing's leader Dr Ng Yen Yen in her speech described that PAS' political agenda was to advocate the formation of an extremist Islamic Malaysia.

"This includes placing hudud law above the constitution. That the Terengganu government wants to introduce these laws is a clear signal to all, the direction of their style of government," she said.

She explained that the hudud bill is seen unfavourably as it allows victims to be punished despite a lack of evidence. The more contentious aspect of the bill is the provision regarding rape and zina (adultery) which is deemed discriminatory of women.

"It is a challenge to a multi-racial and cultural country," she told the delegates.

Decisive stand

Later, when asked if the wing will have a follow-up discussion with the Terengganu state after submitting the memorandum yesterday, Ng said they won't, adding that it was pointless for any discussion since the movement was decided on their stand.

While debating the resolution on the hudud bill, some of the delegates expressed their opposition to the proposed law.

They said the law does not give any safeguard to non-Muslim women and discriminates women.

"We oppose it not only on behalf of Chinese women. We also feel sympathy for the Umno women," said Lembah Pantai delegate Gan I Ngo.

Meanwhile, Wanita also respected Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's decision to resign from all positions in Umno and Barisan Nasional, as well as the 16-month transition period he set.

They said they welcomed and supported the appointment of premier-in-waiting Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to continue leading the country.