Explain your stand to the people, Pakatan Rakyat leaders urged - The Star

IPOH: Jun 17, 2008 By HAH FOONG LIAN and NG SI HOOI

The call by PAS Youth to implement the Islamic administrative system in Pakatan Rakyat-led states is consistent and in line with the party’s objectives, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said.

Describing the proposal by PAS Youth vice-chief Azman Shapawi as “nothing new,” Ong said: “PAS is consistent and that is its objective.”

As such, Ong said Pakatan Rakyat leaders must explain their stand to the people.

“They talk about fighting for justice, so their leaders must give a clear explanation on the proposal,” Ong said after witnessing the handing-over of a RM100,000 donation to SJK(C) Wan Hwa II for the construction of a new school building in Menglembu.

Last week, Azman had proposed the implementation of the Islamic administrative system in Pakatan-ruled states if Parti Keadilan Rakyat and the DAP were agreeable.

Ong said the MCA was strongly against such a proposal because of the country's multiracial mix.

He added that the MCA respected Islam as the official religion of the country, adding that the Constitution also allowed other citizens to profess the religion of their choice.

“PAS must be reminded of this right guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Ong, who is the Housing and Local Government Minister.

MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the DAP should apologise to the people for co-operating with the PKR.

“The DAP should explain this to the people. The MCA is against the implementation of hudud laws,” he said.

MCA Publicity Bureau chief Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said Pakatan Rakyat leaders must clearly explain to the public the ulterior motives by PAS to implement hudud laws.

“Instead of making baseless accusations against MCA, Pakatan Rakyat component parties especially DAP and PKR should object to PAS’ agenda,” he said in a statement yesterday.