MIC will not support hudud law - Palanivel

MIC has set its foot against supporting the Private Members' Bill to enforce hudud laws in Kelantan.

Its president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said, this is because it is against the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

"Implementation of hudud in Kelantan will create two separate criminal legal systems in the country, one for Muslims and one for the non-Muslims.

“This will run foul of Article 8 (1) of the Federal constitution which guarantees that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law,” he said in a statement.

Palanivel said in a multi-cultural and multi-religious Malaysia, two separate legal systems will further drive its citizens apart.

He said that two separate legal systems will also produce conflict over jurisdiction and punishment.

"MIC, which has members from different religions, will always support moves, which encourages deeper understanding of all religions in the country," he said.

Palanivel also called upon DAP to stop its political partner PAS from tabling the Private Member’s Bill. "DAP must fulfill its election promise that it will oppose hudud.

"DAP garnered the votes of non-Muslims for PAS in the last two general elections by deceiving them into believing that PAS will not implement hudud," he said.