KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Muslims have nothing to fear from the proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355), said Pas Supporters Club representative N. Bala Subramaniam.
Speaking at the RUU 355 rally at Padang Merbok here today, Bala Subramaniam said the proposed amendments to Act 355 were aimed at strengthening the Syariah courts, and that they would not affect non-Muslims.
"Syariah law has nothing to do with non-Muslims, as stated in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.
"Why, then, should non-Muslims be scared and protest against (amendments to) Act 355?" he said, adding that the freedom of religion was safeguarded by the Federal Constitution.
He said only Muslims who committed crimes and owners of "gambling dens" should be afraid of the proposed amendments.
Bala Subramaniam expressed confidence that the enhancement of the Syariah courts' powers would bring down "escalating crime" throughout the country.
He also slammed Muslims who criticised Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who is expected to table a private member's bill in Parliament next month to amend Act 355.
"Have their belief in Islam been compromised?" he asked.