With DAP caught in a bind over the hudud controversy, the party's traditional political rival MCA is pulling all the stops to get the message across to the Chinese voters.

However, the problem is that Umno has also lent its support to PAS with regard to the bid to implement hudud law in Kelantan. And this puts MCA in a fix as well.

The delicate situation was apparent when a question on Umno's backing was put to Federal Territory MCA Youth leader Tan Kok Eng.

He could not comment beyond saying that he respected Umno's stance on the matter given that its members are Muslims.

Tan ( left ) was leading some 30 people at a protest outside the PAS headquarters this morning to oppose the Islamic party’s plan to push for two Private Member's Bill on hudud.  

Also present, armed with placards and banners, were members of Chinese associations and non-governmental organisations.

Tan also claimed to be in the dark over the purpose of the joint effort led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom to form a technical task force on hudud with the PAS-led Kelantan state government.

"We have no idea of their discussion... It's too early for us to comment," he said when pressed by reporters.

After the protest, Tan submitted a memorandum to PAS’ staff Fadhil Osman, urging the Islamic party to respect the Federal Constitution.

Earlier, the protesters complained about the PAS headquarters' front door being locked, and claimed that it was deliberately done.

However, Fadhil told Malaysiakini later that the front door is kept locked all the time and visitors usually enter the premises via a side door instead.

"They came without informing, or else we will allow them to have a press conference at the lobby, just like what we did when Gerakan Youth came previously," he added.