KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) have rejected the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) (Amendment) Bill 2016, which was tabled as a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament last week.
“It is unconstitutional, tearing at the core of the Federal Constitution and going against the social contract embodied in the Alliance Memorandum as submitted by Lord Reid Commission’s Report and the White Paper which led to Independence.
“It also goes against the Cobbold Commission Report and the guarantees given to Sabah and Sarawak. It has the potential to undermine religious freedom and fundamental liberties as enshrined in Part II of the Constitution,” it said in a statement today.
It added that Non-Muslim’s position too would be in jeopardy under Hudud and they would not have equal rights if implemented.
The statement was signed by MCCBCHST’s president Datuk Seri Jit Heng; deputy president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan; Vice-president’s Bishop Sebastien Francis; Sardar Jagir Singh; Daozhang Tan Hoe Chieow and its Hon. Secretary-General Prematilaka Serisena.