Umno leader slams Ngeh's syariah law committee remark

An Umno leader has slammed the suggestion by DAP lawmaker Ngeh Koo Ham to appoint non-Muslim constitutional experts to the committee reviewing the jurisdiction of syariah courts as per the Federal Constitution.

According to Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Ngeh's proposal is not "rooted in reality" and is also capable of stirring unwanted controversy in the multiracial country.

"Since independence, syariah courts have been reserved for Muslims. Umno had been improving and upgrading the court's status in stages since the party became government.

"Throughout the process of upgrading syariah courts in terms of administration, competence, emoluments, employment of judges and court officers, the form and level of punishment provided under the syariah courts’ jurisdiction has never once taken away or violated the rights of non-Muslims," Asyraf said in a Facebook post last night.

In making the suggestion yesterday, Ngeh also said a representative from the Malaysian Bar must sit on the committee as this is a statutory body formed to ensure the laws passed in our country are fair and just.

‘Trust the rulers’

Elaborating, Asyraf said the powers of syariah courts are in line with the provisions of Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, the absolute authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Malay Rulers as the guardians and protectors of Islam as the federal religion.

At the same time, it also recognised the freedom of other religions to be practised in the country, he noted.

"Therefore, give trust and confidence to the Conference of Malay Rulers in determining the panels that will be members of this committee later. Of course, the rulers are very wise and consider all aspects including the jurisdiction provided by the Federal Constitution in ratifying the terms of reference of this committee.

"The findings of this committee will be presented to the Conference of Malay Rulers after examining all aspects related to the Constitution," Asyraf said.

"If there are any proposals involving amendments to the law or even the Constitution, the process will involve non-Muslim MPs who have the authority to discuss, support, amend or reject proposals related to the drafting of laws or the Constitution," he added.

In the comment section of the same post, Asyraf said that he has voiced out against Ngeh's remark to senior DAP leaders.

"I have spoken to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and organising secretary Steven Sim. They told me that Ngeh's remark does not represent DAP's official stance.

"Both of them agree with Umno's stance on the matter," he wrote.

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