Despite repeated statements by MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek that the Chinese party is against PAS’ proposal to implement hudud, an Umno leader who has met Chua claimed the latter would accept the Islamic criminal law if the majority of the people support it.

Fathul bari Mat Jahya, chief secretary ulama muda Umno (ILmu) Umno Young Ulama working committee secretariat (Ilmu) chairperson Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya ( right ) has recently met with Chua and several MCA leaders to explain after Chua vehemently rejected hudud, claiming that most countries that practice hudud are corrupt and unsafe.

Asked whether Chua agreed to implement hudud on all people, Fathul told Malay daily Sinar Harian that Chua will abide by democratic principles.

“If the majority of the people want hudud for all, then he would accept. If the majority want PAS’ version of hudud, he would also accept. We are a democratic nation,” he was quoted as saying.

 

He understood from Chua that the latter based his objection on study and analysis of the hudud enactment that PAS wants to implement in Kelantan and Terengganu.

As a non-Muslim, he said Chua evaluated the Islamic criminal law based on economy, peacefulness and national income.

These inaccurate information has led Chua to issue strong statements against it, he elaborated.

“He understood and respected that hudud is Islamic law and all Muslims should accept hudud. He also understood that Islam is the religion of the federation.

“What he objected was PAS’ version of hudud which is seen as unfair. He was worried that there would be discrimination for example when a robbery happens.

“If the thefts include a Muslim and a non-Muslim and there are sufficient evidence, one of them would have his hand chopped off and another would not, hence it would give great implications to the people and the nation,” he told the Malay daily.

However, Fathul stressed that it is unfair to say the whole hudud enactments in Kelantan and Terengganu are inaccurate because they have many articles that meet Islamic criteria and Al-Quran.

“Laws made by humankind are exposed to weaknesses and not maksum (sinless), the only maksum laws are those of Allah. Hence corrections need to be done.”

He also thanked MCA for welcoming his delegates and willingness to discuss the issue.

“The discussion proceeded well, all quarters accepted each other’s views. Although the issue of hudud is sensitive, they listened to it well,” he added.