MP SPEAKS I have had enough of Hadi trying to shut non-Muslim MPs' mouths over his hudud bill.

Frankly, I have had enough of PAS president and lawmaker Abdul Hadi Awang demonising the non-Muslims who question amendments to Act 355 that seek to enlarge the jurisdiction of the syariah courts, despite warnings by critics who say the hudud bill would result in whippings and even the amputation of limbs for crimes such as theft.

And I am equally disgusted with his brutal and open threats by drawing parallels with the backlash faced by Jakarta's Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

Popularly known as Ahok, he was recently accused of insulting Islam by invoking a Quranic verse during a speech this year, prompting a massive protest by hard-line Muslim groups in Indonesia, who took to the Indonesian capital city's streets demanding his prosecution.

“These affairs are none of their (non-Muslims) concern. I’m warning them not to do what the governor of Jakarta, Basuki (Ahok) Tjahaja Purnama had done,” Hadi told reporters at the Parliament lobby Thursday.

His constant nonsensical rhetoric about non-Muslim lawmakers not interfering in matters related to Islam and Muslims won't cut it especially when his private member’s bill will have serious implications on all Malaysians including non-Muslims.

Has Hadi thought about the complications that would arise if a said offence is carried out by both a Muslim and a non-Muslim?

We are already seeing the implications of it in custody battles where one spouse converts to Islam.

Who's happy with hudud?

And Hadi's insistence that all Muslims and a vast majority of non-Muslims are happy with the proposed amendments is inaccurate.

Aisyah, a journalist with BFM Radio, did a satire last year poking fun at Hadi's priorities as opposed to looking into issues such as the PAS state's economy and reconstruction exercise following a devastating flood in Kelantan.

Ruling Umno's political partners, the MCA and the MIC, have threatened to quit the coalition if the bill is passed.

Clearly, Hadi's bill would split the government down the middle, and contravenes the Federal Constitution that protects the rights of all Malaysians before the law and against the duality of sentencing.

So, it doesn't make sense when Hadi insists that non-Muslim members of parliament shut their mouths when it comes to a matter that has far-reaching consequences for all Malaysians.

I totally agree that one cannot disrespect Islam, or any religion for that matter.

But surely, Hadi is mature enough to know the difference between insulting Islam and debating about proposed amendments, don't you think?

CHARLES SANTIAGO is Klang MP.