The implementation of hudud in the state of Kelantan must in all circumstances be subject to the maqasid al Shari’a, that is, the Higher Objectives of the Shari’a, the most paramount of which is to ensure justice for all, regardless of race, status or religion. This warrants the existence of Shari’a judges who are capable of dispensing justice without fear or favour and a Shari’a judicial system which is independent of political pressure or other kinds of influence that would impair its functions in the administration of justice.
As a Muslim, I am bound by the commandments of my religion including the injunctions as ordained in the Holy Qur’an. As I have stated before, the right to practice one’s faith is a fundamental freedom that is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. In this regard, it must be stressed that non-Muslims are and must continue to be in all circumstances exempt from the Shari’a jurisdiction. This view is perfectly consistent with the position of the Pakatan Rakyat as laid out in the Orange Book:
“…to defend the Federal Constitution, to uphold the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, to ensure that other religions may be professed and practiced fully, and to safeguard the special position of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak as well as the interests of other races in line with Article 153.”
We condemn the hypocrisy of UMNO and Barisan Nasional in exploiting the hudud issue for political mileage. Even more deplorable are the sinister machinations orchestrated by UMNO in attempting to stoke the fires of ethnic and religious tension by repeatedly playing up the issue in their media.
To the non-Muslim audience, they project an anti-Shari’a stance even on some occasions rubbishing it as a primitive system while to the Muslim audience; they relentlessly attack Pakatan Muslim leaders as being traitors to their religion and race by consorting with non-Muslim leaders. Without doubt these actions are part and parcel of the overall plan to drive a wedge in the Pakatan coalition and bring about internal strife and in the process hope to weaken the coalition and the chances of victory in the next elections
I would like to stress that Pakatan Rakyat is a coalition built on the principle of consensus and mutual trust and respect. We hold firm to the conviction that any issue which affects the interest of the people must be discussed frankly in a civilized manner with the objective of seeking an amicable resolution. We also believe that each and every component party of the coalition should be given its legitimate right to explain its position on significant issues to its members.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
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