The following are the comments from the major opposition parties on the recent controversy surrounding the Muslim burial of deceased Everest climber M Moorthy.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali

If Moorthy had embraced Islam as claimed, we should respect his choice. Unfortunately, the manner in which the authorities, especially Jawi, handled this issue has only served to give Islam a bad name and has contributed to prejudices against Islam.

The Syariah Court has made a decision in haste and without full cognisance of the facts by summarily coming to the conclusion that Moorthy died as a Muslim, knowing fully that his immediate family members have categorically disputed this.

In the interest of justice, the court should have listened to both sides before coming to any final decision. Islam enjoins those sitting in judgment to give justice, not mere orders or commands. Islam also enjoins those in authority to use their power with compassion and wisdom.

In this entire affair, if these matters had been addressed accordingly, taking into full consideration the grievances, the pain and the suffering of the family members of Moorthy ... a better solution would have been arrived at.

More must be done to enhance mutual trust and harmony among the different communities and the manner in which the present authorities are doing it, under the name of Islam Hadhari, represents a step backward in inter-racial and inter-religious relations.

PAS national unity committee president Mujahid Yusof Rawa

Statements that non-Muslims cannot bring their case, or defend themselves, in the Syariah Court needs immediate action from lawmakers because this can create a bad impression on the Syariah Court ... this can imperil the essence of justice in Islam, which is for all, irrespective of religion.

The Moorthy issue should be used as a case study to revise the definition of 'justice' in the Syariah Court so that justice in Islam can be seen to be done.

Statements by certain parties regarding the rights of minority groups must be viewed from a legal and constitutional perspective, and not emotionally as it will jeopardise racial unity in the country.

If there are violations of minority rights, PAS will lend its support to fight for them, regardless of religion and ethnicity.

For Everest hero Moorthy, PAS expresses it condolences to his family and although his conversion has been upheld by the court, only Allah can be the final arbiter.

DAP MP and parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang

The Parliament in March must address the grave issues undermining national unity and inter-religious harmony created by the Moorthy case by restoring the unchallenged 31-year position before 1988 on the constitution's supremacy and the powers of judicial review of the High Court.

With the injustices created by the Moorthy case, the call by the interfaith council for an amendment of Article 121(1A) is timely, especially as the 1988 constitutional amendments - which included the insertion of Article 121(1A) - was rushed through Parliament without giving adequate time for MPs and the country to study and debate their far-reaching implications.

The 1988 Constitutional Amendment Bill was tabled in Parliament for first reading on March 17, 1988 and passed the next day ... with 142 MPs in support and 18 MPs in opposition (including 17 DAP MPs).

Parliament must put right the wrongs that have been highlighted by the Moorthy case, that there is no legal remedy for injustices suffered by non-Muslims in the interpretation of Article 121(1A).

Both Muslim and non-Muslim MPs should unite to remove the injustices created by Article 121(1A) by restoring the unchallenged supremacy of the constitution before 1988 and the powers of judicial review of the High Court.