MCA Youth against syariah cops

MCA Youth on Monday voiced objection to the proposal by the Home Ministry and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to set up a syariah police unit.

In a press release, its legal bureau chairman Choo Wei Sern said the proposal contradicted the Federal Constitution where Islamic matters are supposed to fall within the purviews of the states.

“Enforcement of Islamic matters should be carried out by the respective state religious agencies instead of a federal agency like the police force,” he said adding that the police should focus on combating crime instead.

“It is plainly wrong and improper for the police to enforce religious laws, a subject which is outside and beyond their scope of responsibilities and duties. The police should instead focus on their primary responsibility and duty to uphold internal security and public order.”

He added that the respective state enforcement agencies are already having sufficient assistance from the police force to assist them in carrying out their duties. As such, there is no need to set up an additional unit.