CM’s proposal to amend Syariah Law a welcome move – PH 

 March 4, 2018, Sunday

KUCHING: The proposal by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to amend the Syariah Law to set clear procedures for those wishing to convert out of Islam is well received by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

In a joint press statement undersigned by PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Sarawak chairman Fidzuan Zaidi and Parti keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak chairman Baru Bian, the move is viewed as a positive step in light of the Federal Court’s decision on Tuesday on the apostasy cases.

“We appreciate the immediate and positive statement made by the chief minister (Abang Johari) in response to our call for the government to amend the law to set clear procedures for those wishing to convert out of Islam, in the light of the Federal Court’s decision on Tuesday,” said the statement issued yesterday.

The chief minister’s promise to amend the law is consistent with Sarawak rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and pursuant to the Federal Constitution.

The statement further added that as Sarawakians, everyone should l be united in their stand on this matter as it is clearly not a Muslim-versus-Christian issue, but merely honouring the rights of the people to freedom of religion.

“After the Federal Court’s decision, some extremists have made outrageous accusations and lies about Baru Bian’s role in these cases.

“Some have said that PH’s stand on the matter is a stand against Islam and our call for the government to amend the law would open the floodgate for conversions out of Islam.

“On that note, PH is hoping that Abang Johari’s clear statement would cause them to pause and reconsider their rash actions and words.”

The PH statement also said Abang Johari’s calm and rational statement clearly showed that he understood the issue for what it was, and that there was no Christian agenda.

“We are merely protecting the individual’s rights, fought for by our forefathers. As a result of the events after Tuesday’s decision, we are reminded of the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s stand on this matter, as he had said on many occasions that the state would protect the rights to religious freedoms for its multiracial community; he had also said that after the Rooney Rebit  case, he would formulate a policy to safeguard Sarawakians and the freedom of religion after the 11th state election,” said the statement.

PH was also hoping for Abang Johari to ‘personally see to it’ that the amendment would take effect within six months as promised, and that the heated debate and condemnation on social media would cease with this affirmative stand.

“Further, this issue further must not be politicised, as our religious and racial harmony is too precious to be sacrificed for political expediency,” said the PH statement.