Hudud cracks in Pakatan

K Pragalath | September 22, 2011

Anwar backs the move to implement Islamic law in Kelantan, but DAP leaders voice their opposition.

PETALING JAYA: Cracks are beginning to appear in Pakatan Rakyat over the Islamic law issue, with opposition supremo Anwar Ibrahim backing its implementation in the PAS-run state of Kelantan but DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang shooting it down.

Political pundits noted that Barisan Nasional was bound to exploit this issue, especially with the general election being around the corner.

The controversy surrounding the Islamic law could be used to spook fear in the opposition-leaning Chinese electorate.

In a Twitter posting this evening, Lim said his party’s stand on Hudud law and the Islamic state concept was consistent.

“It is not suitable for Malaysia and it is not part of Pakatan’s common policies,” he noted.

DAP had always been a fierce opponent of PAS’ theocratic ambitions, and the party pulled out of a loose opposition coalition named Barisan Alternatif in 2001 over this issue.

Lim also said that any such change required the agreement of all three Pakatan component parties – PAS, DAP and PKR.

DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh had also voiced his opposition, describing the implementation of Islamic law as unconstitutional.

He pointed out that such an enactment would run contrary to the Federal Constitution’s referrence of Malaysia as a secular state.

Anwar, on the other hand, today said he believes that in princple, Islamic law could be implemented in Kelantan.

“Looking at specific areas, there is clear guarantee of an administration of justice and it does not in any way infringe on the rights of non-Muslims,” he said, adding that it was his personal opinion.

The Islamic law controversy resurfaced after former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday challenged PAS-ruled Kelantan to impose hudud laws.