THE PAS-sponsored bill to enhance penalties for shariah offences is a political trap for Umno, says MCA leader Ti Lian Ker, and it will have a huge impact on the next general election speculated to be held this year.

Ti, whose party is Umno’s partner in the Barisan Nasional coalition, said the bill would force Umno to choose between its non-Muslim and moderate Muslim allies, or tilt to the right to appease conservative Muslims.

“If Umno supports the bill, it will alienate non-Muslims, East Malaysians and moderate Muslims,” Ti, who is MCA’s religious harmony bureau chairman, told The Malaysian Insight.

But if Umno ignores the bill, it could alienate conservative Muslims in the heartland which Umno depends on for support, said Ti.

“This is since Umno and PAS are both competing for the same conservative Muslim vote. So this a strategic political trap set by PAS.”

Debate on the bill, which was tabled today by Marang MP and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, was abruptly cut short by Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia to the consternation of many MPs.

Instead of allowing debate to continue on the bill and calling for a vote, Pandikar adjourned the debate to the next sitting.

The bill seeks to amend the Shariah Court Act 1965 which caps penalties for shariah offences at a maximum three years, RM5,000 fine and six strokes of the cane.

Ti, who has been a vocal critic of the bill, said it was a dangerous political tool that had already divided the country’s plural
society.

“They have divided Muslims and non-Muslims, and East Malaysians and those in the peninsula. Moderate Muslims who criticise it are then labelled kafir (infidels).

“Regardless as to whether or not there was voting for bill, it is already controversial and dangerous. It is dangerous because some people are willing to use religion for political gain.”

Another BN leader, Tan Keng Liang of Gerakan, said the shouting and taunting that went on during the debate had turned the Dewan Rakyat into a circus.  – April 6, 2017.