Even though some non-Muslims do not agree with the implementation of the Hudud law, they are able to accept it only if it is not imposed on them.
“Personally, of course I do not agree but if the majority of Muslims agree and if the Hudud laws are meant to impact only the Muslims, then go ahead so long it does not affect non-Muslims. But to make it cut across all cultures and make it into a national law for Malaysians then no!” exclaimed the 30-year-old senior marketing executive Teng Wan Ying.
For first time voter Sheryl Ho Su Lynn, she does not agree with the law but it can be negotiated.
“It’s a religious law which can’t be imposed on everyone. I would say I oppose the idea,” said the 26-year-old.
Daryl Boswell Sui also disagreed with the implementation of the Hudud law.
“If the Hudud law is implemented, I’ll move to a different country. I’ll be packing my family and leave but I doubt Hudud will work,” said the 38-year-old.
Added Daniel Krishna, 30: “We can’t even enforce existing laws. How are we going to enforce this one and that is the main question!”
Meanwhile for Muslims, an understanding of the Hudud law by society at large is necessary.
“The general public doesn’t really understand what is Hudud. All they know about Hudud is about cuttings hands and beheading. For example, take a look at the Prophet's time. Everybody was well taken care of. Crime rate was near to non-existent. Hudud is to take care of both Muslims and non-Muslims.
"Have you heard of any beheading or someone being stoned to death in Kelantan? Those are the last resort if those found guilty refuses to repent,” said 28-year-old Dr Fahmy Izwan Jantan.
In a different opinion, 36-year-old lecturer Ayu Zulkifli believed that the Hudud law only applies to Muslims.
“If they want to implement that then it going to be a true Islamic administration. This is one of Pas’ core objectives and they need to remain focus on their core objectives. Only then can people differentiate them from Umno. However, right now they are out of course,” she said.
Based on a survey conducted by Universiti Malaya's Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMCEDEL), 62 percent of Malay respondents agreed that the Hudud law can promise fairness to all.
However, 25 percent of Chinese respondents and 30 percent of Indian respondents disagreed.
When asked if the Hudud law cannot be implemented in Malaysia due to the country’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society, 31 percent of Malay respondents agreed while 51 percent and 54 percent of Chinese and Indian respondents agreed respectively.
The UMCEDEL survey was conducted between September 1, 2012 and September 16, 2012 with 1536 respondents.
On Saturday, deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the disagreement inside Pakatan Rakyat over the Hudud law is an issue that the public should take notice.
Muhyiddin was commenting on DAP’s national chairman Karpal Singh’s statement insisting that PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim state his stand on Hudud Law and Islamic State pursued by PAS.
"I think Anwar should clearly state his stand. I think the people are expecting it. (DAP adviser) Lim Kit Siang and (DAP secretary-general) (Lim) Guan Eng have stated the party's stand, they're not for hudud, they are not for Islamic state," he told a media conference.
On Thursday, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said that they party has not forced DAP to accept the implementation of the Hudud law.
“In the issues we agreed on, we’re united. In the issues we have opposing views, we do not fight. An issue arise when Pas wanted to implement the Hudud law, which DAP disagreed but not opposed.
“This is a difference in which we need to understand. If we cannot force in terms of religion, we certain can’t force the implementation of certain laws. This is what we practise,” he said.
Syafique Shuib
Sun Apr 28 2013
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.