Why cast aspersion on Malanjum, Dayak group asks PAS, Umno Youth

Desmond Davidson Desmond Davidson Updated 7 years ago · Published on 13 Jul 2018 11:00AM · 8 Comments

PAS and Umno Youth seems to have forgotten the fact that Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia with a large non-Muslim population, claims a civil society group. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, July 13, 2018.

A DAYAK civil group has criticised PAS and Umno Youth for picking on and casting aspersion on the appointment of non-Muslim Richard Malanjum as the chief justice.

The Dayak National Congress said both PAS and Umno Youth failed to realise Malaysia is a multiracial country and all religions, including Islam, command its faithful to do good and promote justice.

Their statements are uncalled for, DNC president Paul Raja said in reference to the sarcastic congratulations from Umno Youth and PAS’ claim that Muslims’ legal rights were now under threat following the appointments of non-Muslims to top legal positions in government – Malanjum, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of legal affairs Liew Vui Keong.

Umno Youth said the appointment of non-Muslim Malanjum, a Sabahan as chief justice completes the “New Malaysia” as promised by the Pakatan Harapan government “led by DAP”.

“To pick on and cast aspersion on the chief justice as a non-Muslim does not help to promote justice,” Paul said.

“We must state here that being a non-Muslim does not restrict the chief justice from administering justice in the highest court of the nation.

“We must also remember that he is helming the civil court of Malaysia and not the shariah court.”

Paul said what was important is that Malanjum fulfilled all the required legal and constitutional conditions to be appointed as the chief justice.

“The sad thing here is that despite his qualification, he has been overlooked on many occasions in the past.”

Paul also asked why PAS and Umno Youth had forgotten that Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia with a large non-Muslim population.

“Citizens of Sabah and Sarawak do have rights like any other Malaysian guaranteed under the MA63 and the federal constitution, if qualified, to be appointed to highest office in the civil service of the federation.

“In fact, we would like to remind that Article 153 of the federal constitution has been neglected by the previous regime, as far as the rights of the natives of Sabah and Sarawak are concerned with regard to appointments in the civil service.

“We, therefore, hope that PAS and Umno Youth should learn their lesson and be more charitable in their political struggle in promoting the rights and welfare of all Malaysians instead of being champions in suppressing other lawful citizens of this country called Malaysia.”

Malaysians have spoken clearly at the 14th general election and voted for a new Malaysia “where everybody can live harmoniously in a multiracial nation”.

“Our race, colour and creed should not be made or use to divide us like what happened under the previous government,” Paul said.

He said PAS and Umno Youth should help to build a better Malaysia, instead of trying to gain popularity using divisive means. – July 13, 2018.

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Comments

  • This is the reason why Sarawak and Sabah must combine to counter-balance PAS and UMNO over in the Peninsula. You guys have 25% of the Parliamentary seats. Please never forget this.

    Posted 7 years ago by Henry Mancini Jr · Reply

  • SARAWAK AND SABAH HAVE A KEY HISTORICAL DECISION TO MAKE. Do they follow PH or UMNO-PAS? What Malaysia becomes depend on them..Like it or not UMNO-PAS is one way and PH is the other way..Never the twain shall meet.If Sarawak and Sabah has stuck with BN, the future they claim they woanted would have been lost for good. Sabah was on its way there already until they found they could not take it. PH is their only choice or if they are too short term, they can still lose it all again..

    Posted 7 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

  • Power to you, Paul. Spot on!

    #spiritofponnamal

    Posted 7 years ago by Bala Pillai · Reply

  • PAS and UMNO is of the same feather. They are racist parties who abuse issues related to religion, race and language to appeal to their uneducated members.

    Posted 7 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • One takeaway from this episode is that the extreme rightwing racists in Umno and PAS have not learnt their lessons. Therefore Harapan's work is ongoing and they should be all united in one single vision; the complete and total destruction and dismantlement of these extremists so that never again will our nation fall victim to their nefarious and evil influence.

    Posted 7 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Time to remind our Sabah/Sarawak folks that PAS and Umno are of the same colour. They have little respect for the non-Muslims and the recent statements by Umno and Pas leaders is proof of their bad behaviour and ill intent. The two states have fallen so far behind in development is the result of Umno (in gomen) and Pas (in opposition) playing the race, religion and rulers card (3R) to deny the natives from their rightful place in the country. The Dayaks are not in control of Sarawak and therefore are not in control of their destiny. It is the same for the natives of Sabah. Now is the time to extract as much as you can from Putrajaya. This opportunity may not come again should Umno and Pas gain power in Putrajaya.

    Posted 7 years ago by Da Hi · Reply

  • Excuse me please, we are all Malaysians. If UMNO and Pas politicians do not like it, they, too, can leave the country.

    Posted 7 years ago by Richard Foo · Reply

  • We have to be on guard and cautious of statements made by the political groups... sometimes they say these things to:
    1. Literally belittle other groups/parties
    2. Sometimes they just want to assess and obtain feedback
    3. Sometimes its literally throwing a spanner in the works..just to rile up peoples sentiments

    Posted 7 years ago by New Malaysian · Reply