Act 355 splits Muslims, says Mujahid

MINISTER in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa says amendments to the Syariah Court (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, or Act 355, sought by PAS not only would not unite Muslims, but it would cause unease among non-Muslims, as well as overlaps with common law.
Describing Act 355 as more of a political issue than a substantive one, he said it is a political strategy by PAS and Umno aimed at serving their own interests, Sin Chew Daily reported today.
Mujahid, who is in charge of religious affairs, stressed during an interview with the daily that PAS and Umno had intended to unite the Malays with Act 355, but the reality is that it would not only split the Malays but also cause unease and apprehension among non-Malays.
Mujahid did not give a straight answer when asked if the motion for Act 355, which was moved thrice by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang before the federal government changed hands in the 14th general election, would be included in the current Parliament meeting, but said Act 355 was not a priority item as there were many issues, such as child marriage and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) which needed to be resolved urgently.
He said religious issues should not be politicised and that revamping and strengthening the position of the syariah courts are in fact more important.
"Everyone knows that Act 355 is aimed at enhancing the levels of punishment under the hudud. But will enhancing the levels of punishment resolve the current issues, such as the salaries of judges?"