A participant listens to the talk during the PAS-led Himpunan 355 rally at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur February 18, 2017. — Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 ― Non-Muslim MPs who oppose PAS’s bid to increase the powers of the Shariah Courts are violating the federal constitution, an activist said today during his speech at the Himpunan 355 rally here.

Dr Abdul Kadir Warsi, from Pertubuhan Permuafakatan Ayahanda Malaysia, also questioned why non-Muslims especially are meddling with Islamic affairs.

“We did not affect, we did not disturb anyone, but why are you being imbecilic towards us?

“Because all these while, we were soft. So I ask of all, all Yang Berhormat (MPs) today, in the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara, to not hesitate in ensuring support and passing the Act 355, disregarding their race and religion,” he said referring to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 or Act 355.

“Why ladies and gentlemen? I would like to say here, that any parliamentarians, and I remind the parliamentarians. Anyone who opposes matters linked to Islam, as stipulated under the Federal Constitution, then they have committed a big mistake in Malaysia. That is, they did not respect the Constitution and can be charged,” he added.

Abdul Kadir however did not elaborate how not supporting the amendments to Act 355 would viotale the federal constitution.

“Those of all religion can practise their faith peacefully. It’s just that this is just to strengthen (Act 355). What’s so difficult about that?” he added.

Over 10,000 people have gathered on Padang Merbok to show support to PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s Private Members Bill, which seeks to amend Act 355, to increase the Shariah Courts powers to pass sentences.

Abdul Hadi is seeking to amend Act 355, aiming to raise the ceiling on Shariah punishments from three years’ imprisonment, six strokes of the cane and an RM5,000 fine to 30 years’ imprisonment, 100 strokes, and an RM100,000 fine.

The rally today is organised by several Muslim NGOs and led by PAS.