Ultimatum on hudud bill

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional component parties today reiterated their stand that they will not support amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 if it is in conflict with the Federal Constitution.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pix) said if the amendments are not in the spirit of the Federal Constitution and cause disunity, the party will be against it.
He said the party is against any assembly or gathering if it tears apart the community and causes disunity in the country.
He added that it was important that all parties involved act responsibly and within the law.
PAS is planing a rally, the Himpunan RUU355, on Feb 18 and is targeting an attendance of 300,000.
The bill is expected to be re-tabled when Parliament convenes in March.
MCA plans to present a paper to the Cabinet, following a report by its legal bureau on the bill.
Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Liang Teck Meng also stressed that his party will not support the amendments if it contradicts the Constitution.
"Gerakan will not compromise if there is any clause in the amendments that is against the Constitution.
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has promised that there will no dualism and we (Gerakan) have faith in what the prime minister has said but we have yet to see the amended clauses," he said.
On the rally, Liang said the party had no problem with anyone holding a rally as long as it followed the law and those involved abide by rules set by the police and local authorities.
Gerakan National Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has only given a summary of the amendments but the exact amendments are unknown, adding that they needed to study the amendments before making any comments.
Liang also urged PAS to hold the rally in a stadium and offered to help them get a venue.
He said a stadium would be a better venue as it will not inconvenience the public and there will be a lot more parking space available.