Buddhist group cautions against syariah criminal law

PETALING JAYA: The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) said the implementation of hudud will hurt the feelings of non-Muslims in the country.
Its president Goh Oing Song said PAS's attempt to implement hudud has already threatened the foundation of the country.
"While acknowledging Islam as the official religion, the Federal Constitution upholds the religious freedom of (those who practise) other religions in the country.
Thus, the implementation of religious teachings politically and forcefully contravenes Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which safeguards the freedom of religion," he said.
While urging all parties to uphold the spirit of the Constitution, Goh said that although religions play a role in upholding righteousness, the choice of religion is a very personal one.
"While promoting religious teachings, one must respect the feelings of others and their different beliefs."
Goh said the association disagrees with the deputy prime minister's statement that all Muslims must support hudud.
"Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin must take the rights of all citizens into consideration, and not put personal beliefs above the country and other peoples' interests," he said.
He also pointed out that the implementation of hudud will create two different judicial systems in the country.
"Not only will the people be confused, it may create even greater conflicts between syariah courts and secular courts."
Goh urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and parties from both side of the political divides to unite and stop this law from being tabled in Parliament.